Is there any legal way a schizophrenic patient can be forced to take their medication?
My brother is 35 years old and has been living with Paranoid Schizophrenia for almost 15 years. He doesn't accept that he is ill and refuses to take his meds. We have probated him approximately 5 times in the last 4 years. He has lost 3 apartments and can no longer rent due to his rental history (behaviour). He is violent, dirty, and very scary to family, friends, and even strangers.
The revolving door of the Netcare's, mental hospitals, are getting us nowhere fast.
What can his family do to ensure he gets the treatment he needs, whether he wants it or not?
possibly, I understand him not wanting to admit he has a problem. However there is one way that I know of court orders and injections once a month. I am not sure the name of the shot but there is one that can be taken once a month. The first few days he would probably be hospitalized. I would speak to a psych doctor. It seems unconstituional but I think that it is possible. And once he was doing good he may even appreciate you all for loving him enough to get him some help (but I can't promise that.) Good luck and God bless you all.
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My Grandson was wandering the streets at an odd hour, was stopped by police and resisted arrest. He is out now but court ordered to take meds. at the Mental Health place.
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Age has alot to do with what you can do. I went through about 2-3 years with my son, not knowing what to do. He had to do some jail time and I tried to get him commited at that time and it almost worked till a worker stopped it. After that, I started going talking to people trying to get something done. Anyway what finially worked. I had to pay for a lawyer and go to court and get guardianship over him. I was able to do this without him being there because he had just about isolated his-self. After I got the guardianship I was able to make doctor appointments and talk to the doctors. By the way I never mention my son is 23 now and has been on medication now for 1-2 years and is doing somewhat better. Anyway what I'm saying you may try to get guardianship over him and go from there. I hope this helps alittle.
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there is a legal way, it is not easy. The best way is if you can talk him into getting the shot that lasts a month to my knowledge I know of two prolicen and invega but to make for certain ask a doctor. if you force him 3 times to get the shot and he still don't want help he may hate you for forcing him. Alot of people when they start getting better will agree to get the shot and its easier for some than remembering meds
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