Prevalence of treated and untreated psychiatric disorders in three ethnic groups

The pattern and overlap of treated and untreated rates of psychiatric symptoms and disorders were examined in a sample of whites, blacks, and Mexican-Americans. In addition, we compared treatment sources for family or personal problems for the three groups. The results suggest caution in substituting treated for untreated rates and also in interchanging rates based on symptom scales with rates from clinical diagnostic instruments. Underutilization was assessed by linking psychiatric status with reports of help-seeking behavior. Comparisons indicated that all groups underuse services relative to need, but underutilization is greater for blacks and Mexican-Americans. With the exception of nonpsychiatric physicians, use of treatment sources was similar for all groups. Whites were much more likely than blacks or Mexican-Americans to use this source of care. Possible reasons for this difference are discussed in the context of the methodology employed in the study.