Depression and schizophrenia seem to appear in all cultures but tend to be characterized by different symptoms within individual cultures. For example, depression in Western culture is generally characterized by feelings of guilt and inadequacy, whereas in developing countries it is characterized by physical distress such as fatigue or illness. This is most likely due to

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Social and cultural factors have been shown to influence the way in which mental illnesses are experienced and expressed. The differences in symptom presentation of depression in Western and developing cultures are believed to be a result of these social and cultural factors. Genetic differences and differences in treatment would not explain these variations. While our methods of study may not be perfect, there is currently ample evidence supporting the influence of social and cultural factors on psychopathology.

Depression and Schizophrenia Seem to Appear in All Cultures but Tend