Comparison of symptoms in African-American, Asian-American, Mexican-American and Non-Hispanic White patients with major depressive disorder.
The study compared depressive and associated psychopathological symptoms in 17 African-American, 19 Asian-American, 22 Mexican-American and 41 Non-Hispanic White patients with unipolar major depressive disorder. Overall, severity of depression was comparable among the groups both on clinician-rated and subject-rated measures. However, ethnic-minority groups were more likely to experience diurnal variation of mood, with worsening in the evening. Furthermore, Asian-Americans and Mexican-Americans reported greater severity of anxiety and somatic symptoms. The findings suggest that clinicians should be aware of potential differences in symptom presentation when assessing and treating depressed patients from different ethnic groups.
Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee, USA.
Uma
U
Rao
Russell E
RE
Poland
Keh-Ming
KM
Lin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D001007:Anxiety; D001213:Asian / Q000523:psychology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult