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Cultural Psychiatry – Specific Considerations in the Mental Health Evaluation of Older Hispanics

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Cultural competency is integral for the mental health evaluation and treatment of minoritized populations. The older adult Latino population in the United States is a unique multicultural ethnic group representing myriad countries of origin with specific values, styles of communication and attitudes related to mental health that are important to understand in order to provide optimal care. In this review we provide practical recommendations to facilitate the culturally sensitive care of this vulnerable population.

Recent Findings

The population of older adult Hispanic adults in the United States is expanding rapidly. Prevalence rates for any mental illness (16.1%), depression (13.9–16.4%), and dementia (12%) highlight the need for mental health evaluation and treatment. Mental health service utilization in this population remains low due to multiple barriers including discrimination, stigma, and challenges related to the provision of culturally competent care.

Summary

In order to synthesize an accurate diagnosis and maximize compliance with shared treatment interventions, providers must carefully consider social factors, cultural values, and common descriptors of distress in older adult Latino patients in the United States.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States

    Nicolás Pérez Palmer, Barbara Trejo Ortega & Michelle L. Conroy

  2. VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, United States

    Nicolás Pérez Palmer & Michelle L. Conroy

  3. Department of Psychiatry NYU Langone Health, New York, United States

    Antonio Ramírez Capó

  4. Roberto Clemente Center New York, New York, United States

    Antonio Ramírez Capó

  5. Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States

    Paul D. Kirwin

  6. VA Southeast Louisiana Medical Center, New Orleans, LA, United States

    Paul D. Kirwin

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Pérez Palmer, N., Capó, A.R., Ortega, B.T. et al. Cultural Psychiatry – Specific Considerations in the Mental Health Evaluation of Older Hispanics. Curr Geri Rep 12, 117–127 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-023-00391-7

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