Clinical Psychiatric Case Presentation: Culturally Responsive Diagnostic Formulation and Treatment in an Hispanic Female

The case is presented of Mrs. T., a 49-year-old, twice married, Mexican-American psychiatric patient on her second admission to the San Antonio State Hospital (SASH). Pertinent psychiatric and social history, and events leading to her hospitalization, are discussed. Cultural factors affecting or otherwise influencing differential diagnosis, psycho-dynamics and treatment are also discussed. An important feature was a change in diagnosis that occurred along with culturally responsive assessment. The patient's treatment and progress in SASH's Bicultural Unit, which is staffed by Mexican-American, Spanish-speaking personnel and emphasizes a Mexican-American milieu treatment program, is reported. The participation of the unit personnel and the patient's family in her treatment is discussed. An essential feature pervading this case is the multiple presentation of psychiatric, sociocultural, cognitive, and emotional problems and issues. Post hospital adjustment of the patient is also reported.