Friday, March 13, 2009
Hello!
This is my first post, I just stumbled on this website and hope someone can offer some advice.
My 20 year old nephew is schizophrenic and has been off his meds for 2 years. Of course he is not convinced he is not sick but we all see that he desperatley needs to be back on his medications.
He gets very angry when anyone suggests he sees a doctor, and we just don't know what to do.
How do you get someone help when they don't think they need it?
Any advice would be appreciated thank you!!
Hi Balou,
Please read the Xavier Amador book [updated 2007 edition] I Am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help which talks about this very subject. Anosognosia, or the lack of awareness that one has an illness, affects up to 50 percent of the people diagnosed with SZ. It is a symptom of the illness that is the greatest disabler because of course the person doesn't believe he's sick.
This situation won't turn around overnight, so you have time to read the book. Amador talks about motivational interviewing: suggesting that someone can achieve a life goal if he or she stays in treatment. It talks about the LEAP technique.
Here are two links to an interview I did with Xavier Amador at this web site:
http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/120/27693/interview-part
http://www.healthcentral.com/schizophrenia/c/120/27900/interview-part
It's a two-part interview in which he talks about this subject.
At all costs, you should refrain from repeatedly trying to convince your nephew that he is sick. As you've probably found out, those entreaties fall on deaf ears.
Rather, Amador suggests developing a relationship of trust with your loved one, and when you feel you have an opening, explore what their goals and dreams are, and then use the LEAP technique to suggest how they might achieve those goals.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Christina
Thank you so much! I am going to listen to that interview right now.
I really appreciate your advice.
As much as his mom wants to help she has come to the conclusion that she cannot convince him he is sick :-(
Hopefully this book will give me some suggestions, again thank you!