The role of experienced and anticipated discrimination in the lives of people with first-episode psychosis.

Self-imposed limitations due to a fear of discrimination may be just as devastating to persons with first-episode psychosis as the outright discrimination experienced in relationships or employment. In this study, 97 persons with first-episode psychosis and a mean age of 34 were asked about experiences with actual and anticipated discrimination. Many reported having curtailed everyday activities to avoid discrimination, thereby limiting access to opportunities and community resources typically available to younger people. Is discrimination a second illness? the authors asked.