Ethnic psychopharmacology: the Hispanic and Native American perspective

There is ample evidence attesting to differences in drug response and disposition among certain ethnic groups. The existing body of knowledge concerning pharmacological issues in the Hispanic and Native American ethnic groups, however, is both meager and confusing. In this article, the authors first attempt to briefly characterize these increasingly important ethnic groups, citing recent population figures and epidemiological findings. This is followed by a review of several existing retrospective studies concerning the pharmacological treatment of patients belonging to these groups. Recent findings in the area of pharmacogenetics are critically appraised and other factors influencing drug responsiveness are also examined. The clinical significance of this research for the optimal treatment of patients in cross-cultural settings is highlighted. The need for further research that would both fortify and clarify the available information with respect to these issues and the Hispanic and Native American populations is obvious.