Introduction:

It is now recognized that ethnic and racial minorities have less access to mental health in general and to the treatment of depression in particular. Where access exists, they receive a lower quality service.

Objective:

To map and synthesise the existence of racial and ethnic inequality in the treatment of depression.

Methods:

A scoping review has been performed using the method proposed by Joanna Briggs Institute. The selection of studies, extraction and synthesis of data were carried out by two independent reviewers.

Results:

Five studies have been included in the study corpus that reveal unequivocal racial and ethnic inequalities in the treatment of depression. These inequalities lead to underdiagnosis and a lack of adequate treatment for non-caucasian patients, manifested by a lower probability of pharmacological prescription of antidepressants and counselling.

Conclusion:

Race and ethnic inequalities in the treatment of depression are found to have a direct impact on underdiagnosis and lack of adequate treatment.

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