Biological differences in depression and anxiety across races and ethnic groups

A growing number of studies clearly indicate the importance of race and eth nicity in the psychopharmacologic management of depression and anxiety diso rders. The data highlight important pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and p harmacogenetic ethnic differences that may have profound implications for t he efficacy and safety of psychotropic therapies. General treatment conside rations based on these differences include greater attention to adverse eve nt profiles, the possibility of improved clinical response at any given dos e, and the potential need for lower starting doses and slower increases in dosage. Continued research in this area is clinically important as patients with increasingly divergent ethnic and cultural backgrounds seek treatment for a range of depressive and anxiety disorders.