Download - New York State Office of Mental Health

Saving Lives in New York Volume 2: Approaches and Special Populations
it is more likely to be from a primary
care physician than a specialist.
• Mood disorders and substance abuse
disorders, both highly correlated with
suicide, are very prevalent among
some ethnic/racial minorities, and are
believed to be more influenced by environmental
factors than other mental illnesses.
Ethnic minorities also have
higher rates of post-traumatic stress
disorder, possibly due to an elevated
exposure to violence.
• Ethnic minorities who belong to other
at-risk populations, e.g. lesbian, gay,
bisexual or trans-gender youth, may be
at increased risk for suicide.
• Ethnic minorities face inequality that
includes greater exposure to discrimination
and poverty, which, in turn, may
contribute to mental illness.
• Cultural minorities are over-represented
among populations who are poor, in
jail, homeless, HIV/AIDS positive, and
exposed to violence/trauma.
• Symptom presentation may be different
in various cultural groups, which may
lead to mis-diagnosis and inappropriate
treatment. There may be “culturebound
syndromes” only seen in persons
of particular ethnic groups.
• Poverty and lack of health insurance
make health and mental health care less
accessible to many minority persons.
• Other risk factors cited: lack of cultural
and spiritual development, loss of ethnic
identity (especially for Native Americans),
and acculturation -the adopting
of a majority culture by minorities or
the loss of ethnic culture.
• While some cultural minorities have
expressed greater comfort in being treated
by health care professionals of the
same ethnic background, there is a shortage
of minority health care providers.
A. Prevalence and Patterns
• The rate of suicide for American Indians/Alaska
Natives is 1.5 times higher
than the national rate. Native American
males aged 15 to 24 have a rate two to
three times the national suicide rate.
• The rate of suicide among African
American males aged 10-14 jumped by
233% between 1980 and 1995, compared
to a 120% increase for white
males of the same age.
• Statistics report that whites are twice
as likely to commit suicide as African-
Americans. However, the incidence of
“suicide by cop” has led to a mis-classification
of this behavior as a homicide.
Among the elderly, African-American
women have a lower suicide rate than
their white counterparts. Possible reasons
are the protective role of spirituality
among them, and their extended role
as care givers to their family, especially
their grandchildren.
• Asian American women have the highest
suicide rate of all women over 65.
Of girls in grades 5-12, Asian American/Pacific
Islanders show the highest
level of depressive symptoms.
• While the reported suicide rate for Hispanics
is lower than the general population,
a national survey found
increased levels of suicidal ideation and
attempts among Hispanic high school
students.
B. Risk and Protective Factors
The greatest risks for suicide in the general
population as well as among ethnic and
racial minorities are depression and substance
abuse disorders. Exposure to violence
and other traumatic events creates a
suicidal risk, as does access to firearms. In
addition, risk factors that disproportionately
affect minorities include: poverty, immigration,
violence, racism, and discrimination.
Protective factors for minorities include:
supportive families, strong communities,
spirituality and religion.
102 Cultural, Ethnic and Racial Groups