Public stigma towards individuals with somatic symptom disorders - Survey results from Germany.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to investigate (1) the magnitude of public stigma towards individuals with somatic symptom disorder (SSD), (2) differences in public stigma between SSD and depression, and (3) predictors of social distance towards individuals with SSD.

METHODS

Analyses are based on a national telephone survey in Germany (N = 1004). Two vignettes with symptoms of SSD were used. Vignettes differed regarding main type of symptom (pain vs. fatigue) and existence of an earlier somatic disease (yes vs. no). Stigma was measured by stereotypes, negative emotional reactions, and desire for social distance.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in public stigma regarding type of symptom and existence of an earlier somatic disease. Two of three components of public stigma under study (stereotypes and desire for social distance) showed higher values in case of depression compared to SSD (both vignettes pooled). Age and negative emotional reactions were positively associated with desire for social distance in case of both SSD vignettes, whereas associations with stereotypes and experience (own affliction and contact to persons afflicted) were inconsistent. Education was not associated with social distance towards people with SSD.

CONCLUSIONS

Results indicated public stigma towards people affected by SSD in Germany. Compared with depression, SSD stigma was lower in most components. Magnitude of SSD stigma was similar, irrespective of main type of symptom (pain vs. fatigue) and existence of an earlier somatic disease (yes vs. no). Reducing SSD stigma could help to improve illness behaviour and prevent chronification.