Despite the increase in genetic research of psychiatric disorders in the last decade, (Rutter, 2000; Sullivan et al., 2000; Levinson, 2003), and major efforts by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to ensure adequate representation of non-Hispanic American Blacks (NIMH, 2007), the success in increasing representation has been mixed. To reduce health disparities, the NIMH hasrequired inclusion of Blacks in these studies and has made efforts to increase recruitment. However, American Blacks remain underrepresented in family (Weissman et al., 1984; Hettema et al., 2001; Sullivan et al., 2000), twin/adoption (Lyons et al., 1998; Kendler and Prescott, 1999; Kendler, 1993, Kendler, 2001) and genetic studies (Badner and Gershon, 2002; Lohmueller et al., 2003; Levinson et al., 2007) of schizophrenia, mood and anxiety disorders. Non-Hispanic Blacks roughly comprise 12% of the US population over the last three decades (US Census Bureau, 1980, 1990, 2006), but typically account for less than 5% of the sample in these studies. Consequently, little is known about the hereditary component of depression or other psychiatric disorders among Blacks. The reasons for their underrepresentation in biomedical research, including genetic research is of scientific interest. (Buchwald et al., 2006; Sterling et al. 2006).
