Overcoming depression in a strange land: A Hmong woman's journey in the world of Western medicine
Author(s):
Mendenhall, Tai J.; Kelleher, Mary T.; Baird, Macaran A.; Doherty, William J.
Editor(s):
Kessler, Rodger; Stafford, Dale
Format:
Book section
Publisher:
Springer Science + Business Media, New York, NY, 2008.
Language:
English
Abstract:
The case presented in this chapter highlights processes in collaborative care. It documents the clinical journey of a Hmong refugee from Thailand, who initially presented at a family medicine clinic with what conventional Western diagnostic systems would label as "depression." The complex juxtapositions of culture relevant to the case highlight how this initially straightforward diagnosis was not actually so straightforward, and they point to the importance of engaging the patient as an active participator in treatment across time. This patient's clinical journey through the world of Western medicine encompassed an active integration of conventional therapies that were sensitive to culture and an active collaboration between the patient and professional and lay (cultural broker) providers. And over the course of this journey, the patient did more than recover from depression. She evolved from being a recipient of services to actively "giving back" to her community, working in partnership with providers and other community members to ease the suffering of those who are hurting--and those with whom she can so well relate. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2017 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)