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
  • Victimization: One of the consequences of failing to treat severe mental illnesses
    
  • Suicide: One of the consequences of failing to treat severe mental illnesses
    
  • Violent behavior: One of the consequences of failing to treat severe mental illnesses
• 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
• Schizophrenia: The Hidden Torment
• Violence and Schizophrenia/NBDs
• Argument For Involuntary Treatment
• Interview with Dr. Torrey on Involuntary Treatment/Mental illness crisis in America
• Noncompliance Negates Treatment Advances for Schizophrenia (1/97)
• The Risks of Avoiding Involuntary Treatment
• Don't Wait to Treat Schizophrenic Patients; Long Term Benefits Outweigh Side Effects
• The importance of Early Treatment of Schizophrenia
• The Importance of Early Detection and Treatment in Schizophrenia (8/96)
• Psychiatric Survivors and Nonsurvivors
• New Study shows that Medications keep Mentally ill out of Jail (9/96)
• Link between Crime and Mental Illness Identified
• Additional Information on Involuntary Treatment
• Involuntary Treatment: a family perspective
• Outpatient Commitment Information - Hospitalizing the person who is sick
• 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