Barriers to Depression Care for Black Older Adults Practice and Policy Implications

Late-life depression is a public health problem in the United States. Untreated, depression contributes to poorer health outcomes and increased mortality among older adults. Specifically, Black older adults are at higher risk for misdiagnosis, undertreatment, and more severe depressive symptomatology than other groups. Barriers to identification and treatment of depression in Black older adults include lack of access to quality mental health care, the stigma of mental illness, mistrust of mental health providers, and poor provider-client communication. Recommendations for gerontological nursing practice, education, and research to improve the care of depressed Black older adults are discussed. Implications for policy development are presented.