Globalisation and Mental Disorders: Overview With Relation to Depression

The aim of this study was to discuss the role of globalization in mental disorders, using the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical presentation, & treatment of depression across various cultures as an example. Recent studies focusing on transcultural aspects of depression were reviewed & summarized. The authors found that cultural, social & religious mores account for variations in the presentation of depression across cultures. They also report that that feelings of guilt & suicide rates vary across cultures, & that depression may be under diagnosed. (120 refs)