In this Article
Schizophrenia
How Can The Family Help The Person With Schizophrenia?
The families of people with schizophrenia are on the “front line.” While the community has support groups, the family is the main one. Often the role is difficult. The person may deny there is a problem and resist efforts at treatment.
How-To Information: Here is some advice for helping a person with schizophrenia
|
If A Person Resists Treatment
Often, a person with schizophrenia will resist treatment, believing that delusions or hallucinations are real and that psychiatric help is not necessary. Family members may need to take an active role in having the person seen and evaluated by a professional.
The issue of civil rights enters into any attempt to provide treatment against a person’s will. In the U.S., laws protecting individuals from involuntary commitment have become very strict and vary from state to state.
Generally, if people are dangerous to themselves or others due to a mental disorder, they can be hospitalized and treated even if it is against their will. Many hospitals offer crisis intervention services and hotlines in cases of emergency.
Nice To Know: Q: My son constantly forgets his medication. How I can help? A: Try organizing his medications with medication calendars or pillboxes that are marked with each day. Purchase an electronic timer that beeps when medications should be taken. Plan for him to take the medication at a certain time, such as with meals. Another option is to ask his doctor about long-acting injected forms of medication. |
How To Information: How to talk with the doctors Family members of people with schizophrenia may find themselves interacting often with medical professionals. Here are some tips for communicating with the doctor.
|