One of fastest-growing population groups in recent decades, Asian Americans
represent a vastly diversified and rich mixture of cultures, languages, be
liefs, and practices, many of which differ widely from those of European Am
ericans. As immigrants, Asian Americans have experienced and continue to ex
perience various emotional and behavioral problems. However, they tend to u
nderuse existing services except those that are culturally appropriate and
Linguistically compatible. Misdiagnosis frequently occurs, and the existenc
e of culture-bound syndromes points to a lack of precise correspondence bet
ween indigenous labels and established diagnostic categories, Due to Asian
traditions of viewing the body and mind as unitary rather than dualistic, p
atients tend to focus more on physical discomforts than emotional symptoms,
leading to an overrepresentation of somatic complaints. Traditional practi
ces and healing methods are frequently used to alleviate distress both befo
re and after patients and their family members approach the conventional me
ntal health care system. Help seeking typically is a family venture. Asian
patients respond well to highly structured therapeutic interventions such a
s those used in behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal models. When apply
ing pharmacotherapy, clinicians should pay attention to Asians' unique resp
onses to psychotropics, especially in regard to dosage requirements and sid
e effects. Research in this area as well as on other important issues is in
the early stage of development.