Depression is the most common mental health issue that is seen, but there is some cultural variability. For example, in the Chinese culture, they express symptoms of depression as physical rather than emotional. This can impact the initial evaluation of a patient when the patient is asked to describe their symptoms. In some cultures such as the Native American culture, it is considered normal to hear and speak to the dead. It is our job as PTs to provide optimal care by understanding and accommodating to their beliefs. Depression can also affect the treatment of a patient. If the patient is not getting the additional care needed to treat the symptoms associated with depression, the symptoms can affect the intervention of the physical symptoms.Research
