Is Depression More Common Among Any Specific Ethnic Groups?

Dr. Doraiswamy answers the question: 'Ethnicity And Risk Of Depression?'

ByABC News
February 27, 2008, 5:45 PM

— -- Question: Is depression more common among any specific ethnic groups?

Answer: The issue of whether depression is more common or less common amongst whites, amongst blacks, amongst Hispanics or Asians is very controversial. In my opinion the two best risk factors for depression are gender and socioeconomic status as well as the amount of stress that you're subject to. I don't think it's well proven that any one ethnic group is more prone to depression than the other after you adjust for factors such as your occupational status, your income level, and the environmental stresses that you're subject to in your day to day life.

Next: Are There Any Environmental Causes Of Depression?

Previous: Is Depression More Likely To Strike At Any Particular Age?