| Parts one thru three of this series explored the myths, stigmas and to some extent, symptoms associated with the most commonly known mental illness, bi-polar disorder/manic depression. Now, we will explore some of the causal factors involved. Because many African-Americans are less likely to receive diagnoses and treatments for their mental illnesses than Caucasian-Americans, |
African-Americans tend to rely on family, religious and social communities for emotional support, rather than turning to health care professionals, even when necessary. However, those few who wish to seek treatment often find themselves at a socioeconomic disadvantage in terms of accessing both medical and mental health care – in 2001, 20.2% of African-Americans were uninsured.
Surprisingly however, many of those insured who do receive medications often abandon treatment. Some studies suggest that African-Americans metabolize medications more slowly than Caucasian-Americans, yet they often receive higher doses of psychiatric medications, which may result in increased side effects and decreased medication compliance. In addition, Somatization – the manifestation of physical illnesses related to mental health - occurs at a rate of 15% among African Americans, as compared to only 9% among Caucasian-Americans.
Other contributing factors include:
~~ Written by Jay Arrington
Maryland Daily Examiner
Surprisingly however, many of those insured who do receive medications often abandon treatment. Some studies suggest that African-Americans metabolize medications more slowly than Caucasian-Americans, yet they often receive higher doses of psychiatric medications, which may result in increased side effects and decreased medication compliance. In addition, Somatization – the manifestation of physical illnesses related to mental health - occurs at a rate of 15% among African Americans, as compared to only 9% among Caucasian-Americans.
Other contributing factors include:
- Exposure to violence increases the risk of developing a mental illness; over 25% of African- American children exposed to violence meet criteria for post-traumatic-stress disorder.
- Children in foster care and the child welfare system are more likely to develop mental illnesses. African-American children comprise 45% of the public foster care population.
- African-Americans comprise 40% of the homeless population and only 12% of the U.S. population. People experiencing homelessness are at a greater risk of developing a mental illness.
- Prison inmates are at a high risk of developing a mental illness- half of America’s inmates are African-American.
~~ Written by Jay Arrington
Maryland Daily Examiner
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