Depression in a Latino Man in New York

This case illustrates some of the issues that may affect a Latino patient’s presentation. Although the patient’s constellation of symptoms are classically representative of major depression, the patient also raises themes regarding the process of immigration, subsequent challenges in acculturation and identification with the host culture versus the culture of origin, and culture-specific notions about causes of symptoms. In addition to some of the special features of stigma in Latino cultures, the prominence of physical concerns in the presentation and the use of traditional healers contribute to the complexity of selecting appropriate interventions for this young man.