Diversity Issues in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research of Mood Disorders

Mood disorders, like depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia, are common psychological illnesses that occur worldwide and across the life-span. There is a growing consensus among mental health clinicians and researchers that culture and cultural contect are often key determinants in mood disorder prevention and outcome. It have become increasingly apparent that an appropriate understanding of culture is essential for treatments to be effective, and for optimal outcomes to be obtained by indi…