O estigma atribuído pelos psiquiatras aos indivíduos com esquizofrenia

background: literature on how the general population stigmatizes individuals with mental disorders has increased considerably over the last decades. but the question remains if psychiatrists also stigmatize their patients. objective: the present study aimed to assess brazilian psychiatrists' attitude towards individuals with schizophrenia. methods: out of the approximately 6,000 participants of the 2009 national psychiatry congress in brazil, 1,414 psychiatrists agreed to undergo the survey. face-to-face interviews were conducted using a questionnaire that assessed stigma in three dimensions: stereotypes, social distance and prejudice towards a person with schizophrenia. their opinion on psychotropic drugs and tolerance of side-effects were also assessed. socio-demographic and professional data were collected. results: brazilian psychiatrists tend to negatively stereotype individuals with schizophrenia. more negative stereotypes correlated with a positive opinion on psychotropic drugs and with a higher tolerance of side-effects. higher age was correlated with positive stereotyping and with less prejudice. discussion: psychiatrists stigmatize individuals with schizophrenia and possibly find it difficulty admit this fact. anti-stigma campaigns among mental health professionals should be promoted.