Gradually tapering off antipsychotics: lessons for practice from case studies and neurobiological principles
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Authors
Horowitz, M. A
Moncrieff, J
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Issue Date
01/07/2024
Type
Journal Article
Language
Keywords
Mental Health
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Abstract
Background Sharing a dementia diagnosis with others is a prerequisite to accessing important support for social, cognitive, and physical activity. However, due to the stigma associated with dementia, individuals may be hesitant to disclose their diagnosis. Despite the importance of this issue, there is limited research on personal experiences with sharing one's diagnosis. This study explored how people with young-onset dementia disclose their diagnosis to other people, also known as self-disclosure, and how time affects self-disclosure. Methods We conducted an exploratory qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews with nine people with young-onset dementia living in the United Kingdom (UK). A narrative approach to analysis was applied, focusing on understanding the core narratives, themes, tone, and imagery of each participant's narratives as well as providing a cross-case analysis to identify patterns across narratives. Results Participants openly disclosed their diagnosis, accepting it as an illness that did not define their identity. Several were met with stigmatizing reactions, which affected their levels of openness, and a lack of understanding, which caused shrinking social networks for some. Peer support groups, advocacy activities, and strategic concealment were used to support self-disclosure. Conclusion This study provides a holistic understanding of people with young-onset dementia's experiences with self-disclosure and how these evolved. Policies should prioritize the creation of dementia-friendly communities, while recommendations for practice include integrating empowerment interventions and peer support into post-diagnostic support. These efforts will support individuals in their self-disclosure journey, promote social engagement and reduce stigma.
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Citation
Current Opinion in Psychiatry 37(4):p 320-330, July 2024. | DOI: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000940
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Journal
Current Opinion in Psychiatry
Volume
37
Issue
4