African Americans, mental health, and aging

A critical examination of the literature suggests that older African Americans are more likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and dementia. Assessment is complicated by potential differences in symptom presentation or reporting and a lack of assessment instruments validated for use with ethnically diverse older populations. Disparities in treatment are exacerbated for several reasons, including failure to access formal treatment, differences in symptomatology response to treatment, lack of available mental health resources, and stigma. Results indicate an enhanced awareness and training of the cultural context of mental health should be considered in clinical practice and research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract).