Racial Disparities in Depression Care among Older Adults: Can the Perspectives of Clinicians and Patients be Reconciled?

Abstract

Depression is highly prevalent and debilitating in late life. It affected 3.8 million older Americans in 2005, and its prevalence is expected to increase to 6.6 million in 2025. Despite its prevalence and associated negative health outcomes, depression is not diagnosed and treated equally among older Americans. An under-recognition and under-treatment of depression in minority elders exists, which has lead to significant disparities between Whites and non-Whites. These disparities challenge our principles of equality, equity and adequacy and, in their most extreme form, become human rights issues. As a result, eliminating health disparities has become a priority of the US Federal government. Practitioners must address differences in the diagnosis and treatment of depression among clients served. Increased levels of cultural competency and educating clients will help reconcile differences between clinicians and their patients and lead to increased understanding of client needs, while decreasing disparities in depression care and diagnosis.