Experiences of stigma by individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and progressive muscular atrophy

Cross-sectional surveys and semi-structured interviews with people living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or progressive muscular atrophy (PMA) and their caregivers revealed that both patients and caregivers experience stigma including social exclusion, alienation, and stigmatizing behaviors such as staring.
The authors concluded that stigma has significant impacts on patients with ALS and PMA, especially those of a younger age and who live without a partner. Understanding and reducing stigma may improve quality of life.