Neural correlates of mental illness related stigma: a systematic review of neuroimaging evidence.
Carolina Cabaços, Mariana Quaresma, Ana Telma Pereira et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review analyzed six neuroimaging studies involving 251 participants to explore the neural correlates of mental illness stigma. Key findings indicate that greater stigma resistance correlates with rostral-ventral medial prefrontal cortex activation, while reduced ventromedial PFC activation is linked to lower empathic concern in public stigma. The review highlights a distributed neural architecture underlying stigma.
Key findings
- Greater stigma resistance is associated with rostral-ventral medial prefrontal cortex activation.
- Reduced ventromedial PFC activation correlates with lower empathic concern and diminished self-referential processing.
- Increased dorsomedial PFC activation supports impression formation and higher willingness to recommend mental health treatment.
- Interventions using virtual reality and social contact reduced public stigma and improved knowledge.
Why it matters
Understanding the neural mechanisms behind mental illness stigma can inform the development of targeted interventions. By identifying specific brain regions involved, clinicians can better address stigma in treatment settings, potentially improving patient outcomes and promoting social inclusion.