Severe Mental Illnesses in Asian Americans: Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder

Cultural beliefs, medical traditions, and language are just some of the characteristics that distinguish the uniqueness and distinctness of mental illness within Asian American community compared to other U.S. populations. The assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for ethnic Asian patients affected by mental illness requires culturally appropriate and flexible approaches for effective service delivery. Working with the families of schizophrenia and bipolar patients, as well as addressing the stigma associated with mental illness is especially important for Asian American patients, even more than mainstream and other American ethnic groups.. Of note, there is a limited number of studies on schizophrenia and no research on bipolar disorders among Asian Americans. Recommendations for better service delivery include specific guidelines for assessment and treatment of Asian American clients, particularly noting some of the particular needs of an individual subgroup (language, for example) within the general minority community.