Mental health disparities.
Mental health disparities have received increased attention in the literature in recent years. After considering 165 different health disparity conditions, the Federal Collaborative for Health Disparities Research chose mental health disparity as one of four topics warranting its immediate national research attention. In this essay, we describe the challenges and opportunities encountered in developing a research agenda to address mental health disparities in the United States. Varying definitions of mental health disparity, the heterogeneity of populations facing such disparity, and the power, complexity, and intertwined nature of contributing factors are among the many challenges. We convey an evolving interagency approach to mental health disparities research and guidance for further work in the field.
Safran
Marc A
MA
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Mail Stop E-44, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. MSafran@cdc.gov
Mays
Robert A
RA
Huang
Larke Nahme
LN
McCuan
Ron
R
Pham
Phuong Kim
PK
Fisher
Sylvia Kay
SK
McDuffie
Kathleen Y
KY
Trachtenberg
Alan
A
D006291:Health Policy; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008605:Mental Health Services; D011330:Prisons; D014481:United States