African American women are often identified as a group at high risk for depression; they are also viewed as either delaying or not seeking treatment for the depression. The assessment, diagnoses, treatment, and prevention of depression in African American women require special sensitivity. To determine whether special sensitivity is shown to this population, this review examines the literature on African American women and depression, and critiques the major scales used in assessing depression. Violence is identified as an additional risk factor for depression in African American women. It is suggested that an interactive approach to risk factors for depression in African American women provides a better basis for psychiatric nursing practice with this population.