Citation
Vanderminden, Jennifer & Esala, Jennifer J. (2018). Beyond symptoms: Race and gender predict anxiety disorder diagnosis. Society and Mental Health. vol. 9 (1) pp. 111-125Abstract
Research shows an unequal distribution of anxiety disorder symptoms and diagnoses across social groups. Bridging stress process theory and the sociology of diagnosis and drawing on the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we examine inequity in the prevalence of anxiety symptoms versus diagnosis across social groups (the ?symptom-to-diagnoses gap?). Bivariate findings suggest that while several disadvantaged groups are more likely to experience symptoms of anxiety, they are not more likely to receive a diagnosis. Multivariate results indicate that after controlling for anxiety symptoms: (1) Being female still predicts an anxiety disorder diagnosis, and (2) Native American, white, and Hispanic/Latino respondents are more likely than black respondents to receive an anxiety disorder diagnosis. We conclude by reflecting on the implications of race and gender bias in diagnosis and the health trajectories for persons with undiagnosed anxiety disorders.URL
https://doi.org/10.1177/2156869318811435Reference Type
Journal ArticleJournal Title
Society and Mental HealthAuthor(s)
Vanderminden, JenniferEsala, Jennifer J.