Culturally and Linguistically Specific Deaf Depression Screener

Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Funding Period: 2009-2010
Principal Investigator: Elizabeth A. Eckhardt, Ph.D.
CDUHR Co-Investigator(s): Marjorie F. Goldstein, Ph.D.
Project Director: Patrice Joyner, M.S.W.
Other Project Staff: Roberta Berry, M.F.A. (Senior Research Assistant); Heather Paradise (Administrative Assistant)

Major depression may affect 15 million American adults, or about 5-8% of the population. It can interfere with an individual’s thoughts, behavior, mood, activity, and physical health. Among all medical illnesses, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and many other developed countries. Early identification and proper treatment may ameliorate the negative impact of depression in most patients. While there are a number of depression screening instruments available for the general population, they may not be appropriate for deaf patients. Deaf individuals often lack adequate reading skills to complete screeners. Furthermore, those who are culturally deaf may not have the same concept of depression as those who developed these instruments. Deaf individuals also have cultural barriers to seeking mental health screening and treatment. The current project will develop a depression screener that will meet the linguistic and cultural needs of deaf individuals who use American Sign Language. When fully developed, the screener can be used in primary and other healthcare settings for deaf patients.