Faculty Books and Book Chapters
Racial and Ethnic Diagnostic Patterns in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: An Evaluation of Current Status and Future Directions
Book Title
Cultural Competence in Applied Psychology: An Evaluation of Current Status and Future Directions
Document Type
Book Chapter
ISBN
978-3319789958
Publication Date
2018
Description
The literature on racial and ethnic diagnostic patterns (as these pertain to schizophrenia spectrum disorders) is reviewed in this chapter. The chapter begins with a review of the literature on the diagnostic patterns among racial and ethnic minorities in the USA and abroad, followed by a review of racial/ethnic differences in symptom severity, symptom expression, and prevalence rates. This is then followed by a review of the empirical literature that offers explanations about why differential diagnostic patterns are observed. This review explores the question of whether differential patterns are due to inherent differences between racial/ethnic groups or if clinician biases and/or decision-making processes are contributing to differential diagnostic practices. Finally, literature that points to cultural mistrust, paranoia, and other environmental factors (e.g., stress) as potential variables that may contribute to the differential diagnostic patterns among racial/ethnic groups is reviewed. These reviews suggest that Black patients are three to four times more likely to receive a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis. Findings also suggest that racial/ethnic variations may exist on a symptom level, with greater differences observed among positive symptom profiles. This review suggests that unawareness of cultural differences in symptom expression, cultural mistrust, and environmental factors (e.g., low SES) may be related to greater likelihood of receiving a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis but do not fully account for the diagnostic discrepancies observed among racial/ethnic groups. To better understand these relationships, we conclude with recommendations to improve diagnostic accuracy and cultural competence (e.g., greater reliance on the Cultural Formulation Interview) and suggestions for future research that may further clarify the racial/ethnic diagnostic conundrum (e.g., using analog research studies).
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
City
Cham, Switzerland
First Page
603
Last Page
617
NSUWorks Citation
Thayer, K. K.,
Maura, J.,
Weisman, A.,
Martinez de Andino, A.,
Rosenfarb, I. S.
(2018). Racial and Ethnic Diagnostic Patterns in Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: An Evaluation of Current Status and Future Directions. Cultural Competence in Applied Psychology: An Evaluation of Current Status and Future Directions, 603-617.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facbooks/555
Additional Information
Craig L. Frisby and William T. O'Donohue, Editors.