Depression and anxiety among Mexican Americans in a family health center

Abstract

A standardized interview including parts of the NIMH-Diagnostic Interview Schedule was used to determine the prevalence of depression (major depression or dysthymia) and generalized anxiety in a random sample of predominantly low-income Mexican American patients attending an inner-city family health center. Overall rates of current DSM-III-diagnosable depression and anxiety were similar to rates reported for other primary care patient populations in the United States. There were racial/ethnic and sex differences in the rates of these disorders, with Anglo females having disproportionately high rates. Among women, the rate of mental disorders was higher for those with many somatic symptoms, three or more children, low scores on a scale of family integration, and numerous missed appointments in the last year.

Depression in US Hispanics: Diagnostic and Management Considerations in Family Practice

“…11 The rate of depression was more than 3 times greater in white women (32%) than in Mexican American women (10%). Among all women, 4 of 5 of whom were of Hispanic origin, depression was associated with multiple somatic symptoms of unknown medical cause.…”

“…Because respondents' place of birth was not reported, it is unclear whether the lower rate of depression in Latino women in this study was associated with foreign birth or with other risk or selection factors. Hoppe et al 11 also conducted similar diagnostic interviews in 5 family medicine clinics in Monterrey, Mexico. Age-adjusted rates of depression among Mexican American women in San Antonio (8.3%) were twice that of women living in Monterrey (3.8%).…”

“…[7][8][9] In contrast, Hispanics use the general health sector for mental health problems at a rate that is similar to whites once differences in level of psychiatric need are taken into account. 7,9,10 Previous studies [11][12][13] indicate that major depression is a common and disabling disorder among Latino patients in primary care. A synthesis and review of findings is provided concerning the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of depression in adult US Hispanics.…”

Mental health among Hispanics and Caucasians: risk and protective factors contributing to prevalence rates of psychiatric disorders

“…Canino, Gould, Prupis, & Shaffer, 1986;Ginsburg & Silverman, 1996;Minsky, Vega, Miskimen, Gara, & Escobar, 2003;Roberts, Roberts, & Chen, 1997), other studies do not (Hoppe, Leon, & Realini, 1989;Hough et al, 2002;Roberts, Chen, & Solovitz, 1995;Shrout et al, 1992). When differences are found, they typically indicate that Hispanics are more likely to experience anxiety and mood-related disorders than Caucasians.…”

A Spanish Version of the Geriatric Depression Scale in Mexican-American Elders

“…In a triracial study of adult patients (Mexican American, African American and white Americans), the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) was used to establish the presence of depression or anxiety. In 14.3% of women over age 65 depression or anxiety was found (Hoppe et al, 1989). Garcia and Marks (1989) analyzed data from the Hispanic Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected between 1982 and 1984 in ®ve southwestern states.…”