| Summary: | <p> This review of the literature explored the particular risk factors for adult African American women ages 65 and older with depression who are involved in the health care system, particularly those who choose not to seek professional mental health services. In addition, this review explored the interventions and social support services available to them, and the effectiveness of existing programs and social support services in the United States that work towards properly diagnosing depression and treatment. This literature review analyzed the content of 34 empirically researched articles from the last 15 years. Results from this literature review found that older African American women with depression have multiple co-existing medical and psychological problems such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. Additionally, studies show that while social support services and programs are available to older adults with depression, a comprehensive strategy needs to be developed between the primary care physicians, mental health agencies, and church clergy system to develop uniform methods for understanding, detecting, and seeking treatment and coordination of services that foster effective interventions and improved quality of life on a national level.</p>
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