Relationship between stigma, self-esteem and quality of life among patients with depression at a tertiary care unit of North India: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the debilitating mental illness currently. The stigma attached to this illness and self-esteem of individuals with depression are one of the most important factors which have an impact on the quality of life and issues related to these may impede recovery. The aim of the study was to assess relationship between stigma, self-esteem and quality of life in patients with depression. METHODS: One hundred and ten patients who were diagnosed depression as per ICD-10DCR (F32, F33) were assessed using Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview 6.0 version, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale, State Self-esteem Scale, and WHO-Quality of Life-BREF. RESULTS: As per the study, 47% of patients experience severe stigma. Most patients reported higher performance pro-portion of self-esteem in SSES with a mean score of 16.89 & PLUSMN;4.46 and reported more effect in environmental aspects of quality of life among all the domains of WHOQOL-BREF with a mean score of 73.56 & PLUSMN;10.80. Stigma was found to have a statistically significantly negative correlation with self-esteem and quality of life and a positive correlation with the severity of symptoms. Self-esteem positively correlated with quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed stigma is higher in patients of depression having more severe symptoms and that self-esteem and the overall quality of life were negatively affected by stigma. Self-esteem was strongly related to the quality of life. Treatment focused on to reduce stigma and improving patients' self-esteem would boost long term recovery and quality of life. The results of the study therefore suggest the need for measures aimed at reducing stigma, improving patients' self-esteem and psychological well-being.