Treating mental illnesses sounds simple on paper, but Murray State University Assistant Professor of Psychology Dr. Michael Bordieri says there can be unfortunate disparities in that treatment among different social classes and cultures.
He speaks with Tracy Ross on Sounds Good about these issues.
Bordieri says there are unfortunately disparities in how those struggling with mental health find treatment. He says it’s important to identify privilege based on socioeconomic, racial and other factors and work around it.
The professor says despite differences in treatment access, research doesn’t generally find higher rates of psychological issues across the racial spectrum. There are a few exceptions, however, including a high suicide rate among Native American adolescents.
Diagnosis can be an issue as well. Bordieri says African American men are more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia, but there’s some evidence that could be over-diagnosing and under-diagnosing for other disorders like depression. African-American children are more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder, while white children are often recommended treatment for ADHD.
Bordieri says differences like that may be difficult to talk about but need to be recognized.
To level the disparity, Bordieri says it’s important to train healthcare providers on how to deliver culturally competent care. That includes awareness of cultural differences, knowledge and understanding of how mental disorders look across cultures and the ability to demonstrate those skills.
Overall, Bordieri says sensitivity plays a large role in ensuring equal treatment for all. Assuming nothing and considering the needs and experiences of others can go a long way. He says these disparities are obvious now, and it’s up to society as a whole to address them.
