2.2), and the gender difference in prevalen ce is more pronounced in adolescents and
young adults. Gender rates are equivalent or slightly higher for males in clinical samples,
and it is assumed that gender roles and social  expectations play a significant role in ex-
plaining the heightened help-seeking behavior  in male patients. Prevalence in the United
States is higher in American Indians and lowe r in persons of Asian, Latino, African Amer-
ican, and Afro-Caribbean descent compared with non-Hispanic whites.