Schizophrenia.com - Assisted and Involuntary Treatment for Schizophrenia

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Schizophrenia Information > Getting Treatment for People When They Lack Insight into Their Illness

Getting Treatment for People When They Lack Insight into Their Illness

Approximately 40% of people with schizophrenia are unable to understand that they have the disease because the part of the brain that is damaged by schizophrenia is also responsible for self analysis. Its important to note that the person is not "in Denial" (which suggest that through education alone the person might understand that they have schizophrenia); with schizophrenia you are frequently asking the sick brain to diagnose itself which may simply be impossible. For this reason involuntary treatment may be necessary as a last resort.

How families have helped when those who have schizophrenia won't see a doctor
Impaired Awareness of iIlness (Research into its causes and frequency)
Medical explanation of why patients people with schizophrenia frequently can't realize they’re ill
Impaired awareness of illness (anosognosia): A major problem for individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
What happens when an individual is ordered to accept hospitalization or medication?
Options for assisted treatment
Assisted outpatient treatment reduces hospital stays, violence and arrests, and improves chances of recovery for people with severe mental illnesses
Expert Advice for Situations where the person is "in Denial"
Recommended Books for Families and Friends
- I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help! - Helping the Seriously Mentally Ill Accept Treatment by Xavier Amador, Anna-Lica Johanson (Contributor), Publisher: Vida Press; (June 2000) ISBN: 0967718902 - This book helps you learn what the latest research says about why so many do not believe they are ill, why they refuse treatment, and how you can help. The book is written for families and therapists. This book is also available in Spanish, see following: No Estoy Enfermo! No Necesito Ayuda! by Dr. Xavier Amador, with Anna-Lisa Johanson
Common Consequences of Non-Treatment of Schizophrenia
What percentage of individuals with severe mental illnesses are untreated and why?
Uncivil Liberties
The Treatment Advocacy Center - Advocates for making it easier to gain treatment for people with schizophrenia. They have a list of "Other Medical Resources" related to schizophrenia.
First Hand Accounts

"My Brother" by Jenna Ward
People with Schizophrenia Talk about Their Experiences with Involuntary Treatment
Struggling to Get Help for a Son - Recommended Steps
Brother Delusional, What to Do?
How to go about Getting Treatment?
One "Noncomplier's" Case for Olanzapine by Pam Wagner(1/97)
The Importance of Keeping a Diary
Getting Help for My Brother In-Law
If you have a personal story that you'd like to share please email it to us: szwebmaster@yahoo.com

News Stories on the Consequences of Untreated Schizophrenia
- Madness in the Streets

Argument For Involuntary Treatment

The Risks of Avoiding Involuntary Treatment

Additional Information on Involuntary Treatment

Advanced Directives - Agreements made while a person is not delusional, for future treatment. These could also be valuable with other family members in a family that has a history of mental illness.

Information on Advanced Directives