As mentioned earlier in the previous blog posts, schizophrenia affects about one percent of the population in United States. In the United States, diverse racial make up the population. Consequently, mental illnesses can have different levels of impacts to different racial groups because of their unique cultural backgrounds. Cultural identity plays an important role in an affected individual’s willingness to seek treatment and help. 

            In the United States, African American communities are culturally diverse and they make up a noticeable number. Yet, African American communities are often under-served by our current mental health system because of their socioeconomic statuses. The lack of culturally competent providers can discourage them from getting treatment.  Around two in every three mentally ill African American are not receiving proper treatment.

            For American Indians and Alaska Natives, the problem is even more salient.  In the United States, they have the highest rate of mental disorders and they are more likely to experience psychological distresses. Researches have shown that they’re more likely to experience depression, substance abuse and anxiety problems. However, we are unsure about schizophrenia’s affect on them.

            Asian Americans also face special challenges; they have less access to mental health services because of several factors. First, their cultural values of self-reliance cause make them less likely to get treatment even when they are mentally ill. Second, language barrier can also make access to mental health services harder. In addition, some members in their communities also stigmatize some schizophrenia symptoms, such as hallucinations and paranoid delusions.

               In addition to in the past, most schizophrenia researches had been centered and tailored toward Caucasian populations. In turn, it can cause under-research and a lack of understanding on how schizophrenia affects other racial groups. Although our current researches still haven’t found a cure for schizophrenia, we can still shrift the gear of research toward racial minorities. Doing so can help us understand schizophrenia’s social impacts on them and will allow us to help them better.  

Reference:

“Schizophrenia” American Psychiatric Association. Web. 01 Nov. 2014.