Development and validation of a new standardized measure for assessing experiences of discrimination within mental health services. A participatory research project.

Aims: People with mental disorders frequently report experiences of discrimination within mental health services, which can have significant detrimental effects on individuals' well-being and recovery. This study aimed to develop and validate a new standardized measure aiming to assess experiences of stigmatization among people with mental disorders within mental health services.

Methods: The scale was developed in Italian and tested for ease of use, comprehension, acceptability, relevance of items and response options within focus group session.