Contextualizing stigma in Parkinson’s disease research

Abstract

Recent research emphasizes the need to investigate stigma in Parkinson's Disease (PD) through a socio-political and cultural lens, expanding beyond traditional biomedical perspectives. This shift aims to address the limitations of viewing PD purely through medical symptoms, urging consideration of factors such as social discrimination, socioeconomic disparities, trauma, and caregiving inequities. Including underrepresented populations in research will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of PD's complex challenges, particularly regarding the stigmatization experienced by patients. Stigma, often portrayed as a marker of diminished identity, exacerbates the challenges faced by PD patients due to visible symptoms and increasing dependency, which conflicts with societal values of autonomy. Beyond physical impairments, PD encompasses psychosocial issues that impact self-esteem and well-being, and this stigma frequently leads to social withdrawal and low self-worth. Studies often prioritize the relationship between motor symptoms and stigma, with limited focus on the sociocultural contexts affecting PD patients. While improved motor function correlates with reduced stigma, this focus risks oversimplifying stigma as a bodily issue, neglecting its sociocultural roots. A comprehensive approach, involving interdisciplinary collaboration, is necessary to address the social and psychological dimensions of PD, fostering an integrative understanding of stigma and patient experiences.