Disparity in Depression Treatment Among Racial and Ethnic Minority Populations in the United States

Objective: Prior work on racial/ethnic disparities in depression treatment has been limited by the scarcity of national samples that include an array of diagnostic and quality indicators and substantial non-English speaking minorities.Using nationally representative data (n=8762), we evaluate differences in access to and quality of depression treatments between ethnic/racial minority patients and non-Latino whites.Method: Access to mental health care was assessed by whether or not any mental health treatment was received in the past year.Quality treatment for acute depression was defined as four or more specialty/general health provider visits in the past year plus antidepressant use for 30 days or more; or…

• JW
  John W. Alden Trust
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Award: U01-MH57716
• NI
  National Institute of Mental Health

  Awards: U01-MH60220, MH60220, P50 MH073469, MH57716, U01-MH57716
• OO
  Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research