According to a new study presented at the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, 70 percent of Mexican-American men were left untreated for depression. This is significantly higher than the 25 percent rate found in non-Hispanic white males.
There are several explanations for this difference. Firstly, Hispanic men are diagnosed with depression at lower rates, 35 percent of the Hispanic population, versus 68 percent of non-Hispanic white men. This could be due to the differences in cultural expression. Secondly, Latino men may not feel comfortable admitting that they are sad because it would make them appear more vulnerable. Additionally, they might feel that sadness and melancholy is a natural part of life and the aging process.
Notably, the study also finds that 20 percent of Mexican-American men receiving help for their depression still showed very significant symptoms one year after beginning treatment. Therefore, it is important for therapists to tailor their treatment to address the specific depression that occurs in Mexican-American men.
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