Ethnic, racial, and social class factors in mental health.

A review of the literature reveals that minorities have generally tended to be excluded from the scholarly evaluation of social class factors in alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental illness. When minorities were considered, they were too often misunderstood in terms of the negative stereotypes that not only prevail in society, but also influence professionals. When scholarly studies have been done to see what happens to minority patients in treatment, the findings usually indicate unequal treatment which has not considered the specific subcultural backgrounds and needs of this group. The authors emphasize the need for better studies of epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and utilization relating to the minorities and lower classes.