Latent cluster analysis was used to find subgroups of cases in multivariate data according to a psychotic (schizophrenia) and a nonpsychotic disorder (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). The clusters for each psychiatric disorder were compared according to sociodemographic, emotional traits, and personality characteristics.
Results:
A total of 779 psychiatrists answered the questionnaire. Three different subgroups of stigma levels were identified regarding schizophrenia the highest (n=202 [51.7%]), intermediate (108 [27.6%]), and the lowest (81 [20.7%]). Participants from the highest stigma group had a significantly longer time since graduation, higher anxiety-state scores, and lower positive affect. Two subgroups were identified with respect to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, although there were no differences between them in sociodemographic or clinical variables.
Conclusion:
There were more subgroups of stigmatizing beliefs regarding psychotic disorders. Individual characteristics, such as those related to trait anxiety and affect, can be associated with high stigma toward schizophrenia.