Factors that influence the diagnoses of Asian Americans in mental health: an exploration

Abstract

Purpose: This 10-year review of Asian Americans focuses on factors that impede adequate psychiatric diagnosis and treatment.

Conclusion: Asian Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, with a high prevalence of domestic violence, alcohol abuse, and significant distress. However, Asian Americans consistently underutilize mental health services because of stigma, misconceptions of Western treatment, and cultural interpretations of mental health problems.

Practice implications: Knowledge of the diversity of the Asian American population and an understanding of cultural interpretations of psychiatry will better prepare clinicians to treat and engage these patients.

Keywords: Asian American mental health; Asian Americans psychiatry; model minority.