European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

The word “stigma”, deriving from the Greek verb στiζειν(to sting), was used during the classical period to indicatethe mark made with a spike on the forehead of a slavewhen he was found guilty of an offence, on the arm of aconscript recognized as suitable for serving the military,on the body of criminals and other people identified asconvicts. Stigma is a fundamental barrier to individuals seeking out mental health treatment in the Middle East. According to epidemiological studies conducted in Europe and in the United States, mental illnesses are common characteristics of our urban societies. Their frequency is estimated at almost one fourth of the general population in most countries