A Review of the Literature about Depression in Late Life among Hispanics in the United States

Abstract

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder with devastating effects on the older Hispanic population. This review synthesizes the research on depression among older Hispanics in the United States to educate and provide direction for further research and practice. A literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases was conducted. Article titles, abstracts, and texts of articles were scanned for those that met the inclusion criteria for this review. Inclusion criteria included the following: research studies published between 2000 and 2012; studies published in the English language; studies about depression that included older Hispanics (50 years old and older) who resided in the United States; and studies about depression, acculturation, and other associated stressors that may contribute to depression in this population. The results of this review indicate that acculturation, associated stressors, health-related factors, and psychosocial factors may have a negative impact on older Hispanics’ mental health. More research is needed to further explore Hispanics’ perceptions and experiences of depression as well as the cultural dimensions of Hispanic depression. The cultural formulation can be a useful framework for assessment, prevention, and treatment of older Hispanics with depression. Knowledge regarding depression and what causes it can lead to better assessment practices, early detection, and culturally sensitive interventions, care and services.