The horror of stigma: psychosis and mental health care environments in twenty-first-century horror film (part I).

PURPOSE This paper explores the manner in which modern horror films present stigmatizing depictions of psychosis and mental health care environments. CONCLUSIONS Horror films will often include stigmatizing representations of psychosis and mental health care environments. Cinematic techniques can create stigmatizing depictions of psychosis and mental health care environments. Misinformation is often communicated. Due to these stigmatizing representations, people experiencing mental ill health may be rejected by the public. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Stigma is a serious problem affecting the mental health services. It is important for practitioners to understand where stigma arises in order to challenge beliefs and attitudes.