Medical practice, ethnic differences

Phase III clinical studies are expanded, controlled, or uncontrolled trials on efficacy and safety in various clinical settings and under practical conditions. Altogether several hundred to several thousand trial subjects are enrolled at various trial sites, which are often distributed over several countries in order to study different epidemiological situations, ethnic populations, and deviating local medical practices. Phase III studies can also be evaluated for risk-benefit relationships and address practicability aspects as well as interactions by other products or concomitantly applied medical treatments. Postmarketing clinical trials of the licensed... 

This volume covers topics including cultural perspectives in psychiatric diagnosis and psychopharmacotherapy, differences in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of psychotropics, pharmacogenetics of ethnic populations, ethnic variations in psychotropic responses, complementary medicines in mental disorders, attitudes towards psychotropic medications, prescribing practices in Asia-Pacific countries, pharmaco-economic implications, integrating theory and practice, and... 

Therapists train and practice in a world that is very different from that of physicians. Because therapists contact with physicians is often limited, they rarely have opportunities to immerse themselves in the culture of medicine in order to learn about the roles, customs, and beliefs of its members. Just as it is important to be culturally competent with patients from ethnically diverse backgrounds, knowledge of and appreciation for medical culture is also helpful and can strengthen collaborative relationships. 

In conclusion, because metabolism of these drugs may vary by ethnic group (in addition to varyingbecause of pharmacodynamic differences), understanding similarities and differences in cultures can play an important role in ensuring that patients receive optimum therapy and appropriate care. Until it is possible to predict which patients will be most sensitive to the effects of a given medication, the standard of practice should be applied for all ethnic groups—namely, prescription of the lowest dose needed to maximize therapeutic effects and minimize side effects. 

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