Perceived Stigma among Recipients of Mental Health Care in the General Canadian Population.

Objectives: The Mental Health Experiences Scale is a measure of perceived stigma, the perception of negative attitudes and behaviours by people with mental disorders. A recent Canadian survey (Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health) included this scale, providing an opportunity to describe perceived stigma in relation to diagnosis for the first time in the Canadian general population.

Methods: The survey interview began with an assessment of whether respondents had utilised services for an "emotional or mental health problem" in the preceding 12 months.