How do I obtain help for an adult relative with a serious mental illness?
How do I obtain help for an adult relative with a serious mental illness?
In order to obtain assistance, it is critical that the individual receive a medical diagnosis from a professional mental health provider.  For adults, this is complicated by the fact that every adult individual has the right to refuse medical care.  A person suffering from a severe mental illness will often refuse care due to their delusions and paranoia.  Frequently, concerned family members must wait until the relative has a serious psychotic episode at which time they can contact emergency services and have the individual evaluated as a threat to themselves or others. At this point, it might be possible for the government to compel the individual to be diagnosed and receive mental health treatment.
In order to obtain assistance, it is critical that the individual receive a medical diagnosis from a professional mental health provider.  For adults, this is complicated by the fact that every adult individual has the right to refuse medical care.  A person suffering from a severe mental illness will often refuse care due to their delusions and paranoia.  Frequently, concerned family members must wait until the relative has a serious psychotic episode at which time they can contact emergency services and have the individual evaluated as a threat to themselves or others. At this point, it might be possible for the government to compel the individual to be diagnosed and receive mental health treatment.
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