Social functioning and adaptation of patients with the first psychotic episode: internalized stigma, social and psychological factors

In the article results of the investigation of the internalized stigma and social functioning among patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder are shown. Objective of the study is the development of rehabilitation for early episode patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, based on the evaluation of their social functioning, adaptation, internalized stigma, social and psychologic factors. Methods. Sample - 134 patients with early episode of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Clinical and psychopathological, psychometric (PANSS, PSP, “SS Measure»”) and statistical methods are used. The significant differences of the internalized stigma respective from the upbringing type, family history, marital status, education and compensatory-coping defenses are found.