Population Disparities in Mental Health

Population disparities in mental health refer to the wide variation in the prevalence of mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders that result from unequal or unfair conditions across racial and ethnic groups. Mental health disparities of ethnic and racial groups suggest challenges and opportunities for research, policy, and action for cures, preventions, and interventions in global mental health. Due to mental health disparities across racial and ethnic groups, it is important to understand how cultural factors affect root causes and mechanisms of MNS disorders. Research in cultural neuroscience aims to investigate the etiology of MNS disorders across racial and ethnic groups. Advances in cultural neuroscience address a key priority for closing the gap in population health disparities. The amelioration of racial and ethnic disparities in mental health reflects the achievement of the goal for improvement of health equity in global mental health.