Treatment response in schizophrenia can be influenced by cultural and ethno-biological factors. However, in delusional disorder (DD), these potential influences have been poorly investigated.

This review aims to synthesize what is known about the influence that cultural and biological factors may have on treatment response in DD.

A systematic review was performed on PubMed from inception to 2020 in keeping with PRISMA directives. Search terms: [(cultural OR ethnic* OR ethno*) AND (treatment OR therap* OR antipsychotic response) AND (delusional disorder)]. We included all studies whose objective was to explore ethno-psychopharmacological aspects of treatment response in DD.

A total of 182 papers were retrieved. Four studies tested ethno-biological factors and 10 reported cultural aspects of treatment response in DD. 1. Cultural hypothesis: 3 studies reported cultural differences in diagnostic practices; in 2 studies, culturally-determined long durations of untreated psychosis (DUP) and comorbidity with mood disorders was associated with response to both antipsychotics (AP) and antidepressants (AD); 3 studies reported that response and AP dose were similar among cultures and that culturally-sensitive psychotherapy improved adherence; 2 studies showed that, where women had poor access to health care, mortality rates were high. 2. Ethno-biological hypothesis: 1 study reviewed moderators and mediators of ethno-specific treatment response; 1 study presented a culture-bound syndrome (Taijin kyofusho) for which AD were found effective; 2 studies in diverse populations found that DD and schizophrenia were both significantly linked to HLA genes.

The sociodemographic profile of DD is consistent across various cultures and, when treated appropriately, responds, but in an ethno-culturally-specific manner.

No significant relationships.