Stigma Keeps Some Latinos from Depression Treatment (posted 4/5)

A new study published in General Hospital Pyschiatry provides evidence that in the Latino community, members who stigmatize mental illness are less likely to seek and comply with mental health treatment. The study screened 200 Latino patients for depression and then, using a stigma checklist, assessed patients to determine whether or not they stigmatize mental illness. It was found that patients that stigmatize mental illness were less likely to disclose their depression diagnosis to their family and friends, less likely to be taking depression medication, and more likely to have missed scheduled appointment visits.According to lead researcher William Vega of the University of Southern California, the study may point to new approaches to treating individuals with high levels of stigma. The stigma checklist presented for treating Spanish-speaking Latino patients in primary care may be used to assess depressed patients for stigma to help inform clinical management of patients. For more information click here. To read the abstract click here.

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