The stigma of mental illness is a complicating feature of psychiatric treatment, especially in schizophrenia. A detrimental consequence is internalized stigma-the inner subjective experience of stigma resulting from applying negative stereotypes and stigmatizing attitudes to oneself. The empowerment and recovery oriented program of the day clinic might contribute to a reduction in internalized stigma. Until now the influence of day clinic treatment on internalized stigma has not been studied.

Data from two groups of patients had been collected at baseline and after five weeks. The experimental group attended the day clinic treatment (TKL-group, 20 patients), the control group waited for the day clinic treatment (KO-group, 20 patients). At both times the Internalized Stigma Of Mental Illness scale, the CES-Depression Scale, the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire capturing the subjective quality of life and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were applied. Furthermore, sociodemographic and clinical data were collected.

Changes during the five weeks within the TKL-group showed a significant reduction of internalized stigma and psychopathology and a significant improvement in quality of life. Within the KO-group it was only a significant reduction of depression. Significant differences between the two groups concerned changes in the quality of life and psychopathology with a clear advantage for the TKL-group. However, with regard to changes in internalized stigma, no significant differences between the TKL- and the KO-group could be observed.

Exploring a sample size of two groups each of 110 patients appears to be a feasible and valuable research plan with regard to internalized stigma.