Hispanic Psychiatry: From Margin to Mainstream

Abstract

The advent of the 21st century offers a unique opportunity for a reassessment of the epistemological bases of American psychiatry and its diverse components. The case of Hispanic/Latino psychiatry in the U.S. exemplifies the complexities of this process including a reaffirmation of its singular characteristics, and a struggle to gain recognition from and full acceptance into ‘mainstream’ psychiatry. After a brief review of the history of Hispanic communities in the U.S., relevant issues such as acculturation and the response of the host society to the waves of immigrants from ‘south of the border’ are discussed. The growth and increasing visibility of Hispanic psychiatry are demonstrated by an examination of existing organizations, workforce, academic enrollment and productivity, and the contributions of its Latin American and Spanish streams. The receptivity of American psychiatry and the accomplishments and failures on the way towards a true integration are assessed. The journey of Hispanic psychiatry from margin to mainstream will be based on the shaping of a true mestizo identity, continuous and consistent research contributions in specific areas, in-depth study of biocultural linkages in a variety of clinical phenomena, and the adoption by American psychiatry of a new form of universalism modeled after the genuine mestization process of its Hispanic component.