The folks over at Mind Hacks have posted an interesting article regarding racism in the mental health in the U.K.. The article states, "It is widely known that in the UK, black and ethnic ethnic minority people are much more likely to be diagnosed with a psychotic mental illness, such as schizophrenia, than other members of society." Why might this be?
The article discusses the effects of poverty and race on increased likelihoods of: being diagnosed with a psychotic disorder, a negative interaction with the mental health system, and a poor treatment outcome.
The article does not address the effects of religion, the attitudes of the minority member's culture toward mental health issues, nor familial support (or lack thereof). I have seen people from other cultures diagnosed with psychotic disorders who were merely expressing their religious beliefs. Talking with or interacting with gods, spirits or demons may be diagnosed as psychosis if it is not expressed in a way familiar to the person providing a diagnosis. In some cultures, there is also a much high stimatization of someone with mental health issues than in others. Members of these cultures may find themselves ostracized from their families and friends instead of gleaning support and comfort from them. I think these are there important factors to consider when working with mental health issues in clients from different cultures. I also think this is why it is so important to be slow to diagnose - especially a psychotic disorder.
You can read the Mind Hacks' article at, "Is the Mental Health System Racist?"