mary ann harmon,

Again, as I've instructed others in my answers to their questions, you need to know that denial, or anosognosia, the lack of awareness that one is sick, is a symptom and not willful.  If you thought you weren't sick, would you  believe it when people told you you need treatment?  Your son could possibly have anosognosia.

Read the book, I am Not Sick, I Don't Need Help, by Dr. Xavier Amador who successfully got his treatment-resistant brother to take medication, even though Henry didn't believe he was sick.  Simply trying to reason with your son or get him to see what's obvious to you will only make him dig his heels in deeper.

In Amador's book, cut straight to his section on what to do if it's an immediate concern and your son's mental health has deteriorated.  Though, I do recommend reading the book from beginning to end.

Unfortunately, unless your son is a danger to himself or others, or you can prove to a judge or doctor that he is, most states in the U.S. if not all of them, won't issue forced treatment.

Amador's book outlines techniques, such as "motivational interviewing" and "LEAP," that you can use to smooth the way to hopefully getting your son to take the meds.  It worked for Amador's brother Henry, and for countless others.

We here at the Connection are on your side.

Up to 50 percent of people with schizophrenia refuse treatment because they don't believe they're sick (anosognosia).

Write back if you feel the need.

Others have been in your shoes.

We will support you.

I wish you the best.

Chris