Special Considerations in a Culturally Diverse Population

Social work practitioners encounter a wide range of ethnic and minority clients who present varied mental health problems and concerns. Although 

To further exemplify the importance of cultural diversity and minority concerns, Leon and Dziegielewski (1999) identify two culture-bound syndromes that are of particular importance when working with Hispanics. These two conditions are ataque de nervios (nerve attacks) (p. 847) and susto (fright or soul loss) (p. 848) and are listed as culture-bound syndromes in the DSM-IV. These conditions often exist within the culture and can resemble certain mental disorders but they may be interpreted as dysfunctional in mainstream society by the professional who is unaware (American Psychiatric Association, 1994). Yet these syndromes are not considered mental disorders (although they may resemble the signs and symptoms of certain mental disorders) and are commonly accepted among many Hispanic cultures. 

Social workers and other mental health professionals are encouraged to become familiar with the culture-bound syndromes during the assessment and treatment process. Knowledge of these syndromes can prevent clients from being misdiagnosed and can help practitioners understand the role that culture plays in the client s manifestation of symptoms and behaviors. 

The beliefs of individuals about the role of drug therapy in curing or controlling their disease or in promoting their health are intimately linked to their beliefs about disease causation (Eisenhauer, 1998). 

A third consideration when working with minority clients who seek mental health services requires that social workers become aware of the oppression that minority clients have encountered. Efforts should be made to understand how institutionalized oppression has affected the minority client s perception of helping professionals outside their culture or race, as well as the perception and the utilization patterns of mental health services (Lee, 1996). According to Lee (1996), this includes active discussions with the client on how oppressive factors have contributed to the client s current problems. 

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