Missing the mark: Cultural expressions of depressive symptoms among African-American women and men

Many studies state that African Americans are underdiagnosed with major depressive disorder when compared to Whites, yet little research exists on the specific differences in symptom expression in African Americans. Even fewer studies explore gender-based differences in depressive symptom expression between African Americans. This article reviews literature on African-American symptom expression differences through a social determinants of health framework. While commonalities exist, the differences in symptom expression between African-American women and men should not be ignored. Based on research information presented, implications for social work and mental health intervention are discussed, and best practice recommendations are provided.