Cultural Issues in the Management of Depression Among Chinese Americans

Abstract

Culture affects the concept of mood disorders and how anxiety and depression are expressed. To adequately recognize depression in diverse populations and provide culturally sensitive treatment, it is necessary to understand patients' illness beliefs, which comprise their understanding of the onset of illness, its cause, severity, impact, and appropriate treatment. Clinicians who understand a patient's illness beliefs are able to discuss medical management in a way the patient can comprehend. This article discusses illness beliefs of Chinese Americans with depression and the current treatment gap, a systematic approach to improve recognition and treatment engagement, and considerations and adaptations needed when providing psychological and pharmacological treatment to these patients. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2023;53(3):111–116.]