Case Study: Sharp Hospital

Sharp hospital provides for a wide area of mental health issues by providing, and understanding the complicated needs associated with in the mental health field. Mood disorder is simply a singular branch which will be focused on, with a hope to show a more focused look into the inner functioning of the Sharp hospital system. The Sharp Web page links a good front page to their mental health care site wherein are listed all psychological disorders their facilities are capable of managing. With the desired treatment in mind being mood disorders one may click on that option. After clicking the page directs one to a screen whereon different mood disorders can be selected. Major depressive disorder is a more specific disorder which will
be further examined below. Mood disorders range from both ends of functional spectrum which dictates normal humanoid moods.
Major depressive disorder takes several components to be diagnosed, with mainly the abnormality associated with time periods where irregular behaviors inhibit ones success, and happiness (sharp Healthcare, 2014). A persistently sad, or empty mood is displayed more than is usual, or for what is not a usual response to environmental triggers (Sharp, Healthcare, 2014). As these feelings are quite debilitating on regular life activities, another urgent feeling which a hospital may aid in is suicidal thoughts (Sharp Healthcare, 2014). Other areas that indicate a major depressive disorder can include; changing eating habits, changing weight, changing sleeping patterns, decreased energy, and decreased ability to make decisions and concentrate (Sharp Healthcare, 2014). To be considered for major depressive disorder a person will have at least a two week singular episode where there is a display of at least five of the afore listed traits (Sharp Healthcare,
2014). The understanding of major depressive disorder is specific to a culture of people who adhere to the APA, American Psychological Association. The APA system is the one which placed the rules for how diagnosis should take place. However, this concept is an American one, and it is important to understand that opinions on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, are all different from culture to culture. Further more, the very concept of depression as a somatic response to guilt or remorse with their found association (Jenkins). Culture therefore, can define even how one feels emotions, and thus to what level they may experience, or even exhibit depression with in the present standards of the APA (Jenkins). So the structure of psychopathology can still exist, but the contexts, and understanding of those structures will be different from culture to culture (Jenkins). It is important to note those differences felt between cultures when dealing with patients from different places who might not understand the whole process of the American mental health system. The treatment offered at Sharp hospital ranges to fit the individualistic needs of the patient.
The Sharp website does acknowledge that a few factors need to be taken into account (Sharp Healthcare, 2014). Sharp hospital lists more than one factor to reconsider before treatments are finalized: age, health, medical history, known tolerance for medications, and the opinion or preference advocated (Sharp Healthcare, 2014). Cross-cultural analysis is demonstrated in the listing of an opinion or preference advocated by the individual, and family. That sign in the treatment process is a good sign that Sharp hospital will take the time to recognize the cross cultural implications associated with mental health. Culture will determine what system the family, and patient will then choose to undergo, or not undergo. The hospital website then goes on to show what they provide for treatments. Medications, psychotherapy, and family therapy, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are all provided by Sharp hospital (Sharp Healthcare,
2014). An important aspect furthering a better understanding of Sharp 's mental health program is to take a look at the different cultures which are served. With such close proximity to Mexico Sharp has a large hispanic population which it serves. Traditionally hispanic peoples feel less apt to seek or look for help when it comes to mental health, thus it can be a challenge to really diagnose, and then treat a problem in the most traditional ways. San Diego is also a large military town, where mental health services are provided directly to active duty service men and women, Some veterans or family members would seek service of the Sharp hospital mental services. Traditionally military culture is not one to rapidly accept seeking mental health services, thus presenting a challenge with the mental health process. One organization which can help with teaching cultural awareness is the Cultural Competence Academy, or CCA (Cultural Competency Academy). CCA offers workshops and classes where organizations can send groups of staff to gain cross cultural competence, specifically oriented at specific subgroups in San Diego (Cultural Competency Academy).

References
Cultural Competency Academy. (n.d.). BHETA Behavioral Health Education and Training Academy. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
Jenkins, J., Kleinman, A., & Good, B. (n.d.). Cross-Cultural Aspects of Depression. Retrieved October 9, 2014. Sharp Healthcare. (2014). Major Depression. Retrieved from http://www.sharp.com/healthinfo/content.cfm?pageid=P00746

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