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International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human Resilience | ISSN: 1522-4821 | Volume: 20
July 25-26, 2018 | Vancouver, Canada
Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing
14
th
World Congress on
Mental Health and Wellbeing
5
th
World Congress on
&
Diagnosing and treating racialðnicminoritieswith anxiety disorders that present as anger&aggression
Teresa Combs
University of the Health Sciences, USA
Purpose:
The purpose is twofold: first to present differences in symptom presentation for anxiety between various racial and ethnic
groups. The second is to highlight the importance of employing Leininger’s model of Culture Care when presented with a person that
is from a different racial, ethnic or cultural background.
Summary of the Evidence:
The existing literature suggests that racial and ethnic minorities are over diagnosed with psychotic like
disorders and under diagnosed with anxiety disorders (1, 2). Caucasian/European providers are frequently unfamiliar with the
symptom nuances of anxiety among racial and ethnic minorities. This lack of cultural familiarity places racial and ethnic minorities
at a greater risk for misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment patient mistrust, and premature treatment termination (1,3,4).
Description of the Protocol:
Current diagnostic practice involves a clinical assessment, collateral information and evaluation of
diagnostic tools. While these are vital as baseline measures Madeline Leininger’s theory of Culture Care reaches for practices that
include attending to the beliefs values and meanings from populations that a provider may be unfamiliar. This approach can be
useful to bridge the cultural gap between providers and patients. Strategies for change consist of: self-reflection, acceptance of the
population you are treating, use of the cultural formulation of the DSM5 reaching out to collaborate with racial or ethnic colleagues
and whenever possible matching patients with like providers.
Evaluation Method:
The evidence associated with this presentation was an extensive review of the literature (ROL) using search
terms: African American, Hispanic, anxiety, anger and aggression. Inclusion criteria articles refer to diagnosis, symptoms, treatment,
ages 5-65 years old. I addition my experience in my current practice.
Future Implications:
There is a severe need for racial and ethnic diversity among mental health and primary care providers. However
as these disciplines await the number to meet the need, the current providers will benefit by making a deliberate effort to address
cultural specific symptoms of anxiety disorders when working with racial/ethnic minorities.
IJEMHHR 2018, Volume: 20
DOI: 10.4172/1522-4821-C3-018