how crazy does a person have to be to have them committed against their will? they are able to hold down a job, and they haven't threatened harm to themselves or anyone else. but he needs serious help. he is becoming more and more paranoid and delusional. he would never agree to any type of help, because he is Class A narcissist. what are the options for us? this is for a family member.
2007-09-20 03:11:24 · 6 answers · asked by spacey 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
There are a lot of crazy people out there and don't care. But, If he is not dangerous to himself or others then he cannot be involuntarily committed. I know it must be very sad and frustrating to watch this person act the way he does.
the most the family could do is try and encourage him to seek out professional help.
2007-09-20 06:08:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Support for those with mental disorders can come from families, professional residential or day program caregivers, shelter operators, friends or roommates, professional case managers, or others in their communities or places of worship who are concerned about their welfare.
Getting Treatment. People often resist treatment, believing that their delusions or hallucinations are real and psychiatric help is not required. If a crisis occurs, family and friends may need to take action to keep their loved one safe.
The issue of civil rights enters into any attempt to provide treatment. Laws protecting patients from involuntary commitment have become very strict, and trying to get help for someone who is mentally ill can be frustrating. These laws vary from state to state, but, generally, when people are dangerous to themselves or others because of mental illness and refuse to seek treatment, family members or friends may have to call the police to transport them to the hospital. In the emergency room, a mental health professional will assess the patient and determine whether a voluntary or involuntary admission is needed.
A person with mental illness who does not want treatment may hide strange behavior or ideas from a professional; therefore, family members and friends should ask to speak privately with the person conducting the patient's examination and explain what has been happening at home. The professional will then be able to question the patient and hear the patient's distorted thinking for themselves. Professionals must personally witness bizarre behavior and hear delusional thoughts before they can legally recommend commitment, and family and friends can give them the information they need to do so.
2007-09-20 03:32:24 · answer #2 · answered by T I 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
as long as he is not a danger to anyone including himself, and he is able to function well enough to hold down a job, there is basically nothing you can do. If he is paranoid and delusional, guess what, a great many people in this country are.
2007-09-20 03:21:10 · answer #3 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A person with paranoid schizophrenia isn't likely to seek treatment because the delusions and auditory hallucinations are perceived as real. If you believe a family member or friend is exhibiting signs of paranoid schizophrenia, help that person seek medical advice.*** Instead of identifying delusions or hallucinations as problems, you may suggest that he or she see a professional to help cope with recurring anxieties or fears.***
2007-09-20 04:30:18 · answer #4 · answered by 777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are watching him/her get worse. What can you do except take the person aside and express your concerns with their behaviour and encourage they call a therapist or psychiatrist to get some help if they need.
I could suggest you also find some information on mental disorders whether on the net or from a bookstore or library and show it to the family member. Here is some good info on all things mental disorders (chose the section on Paranoia) :
http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+paranoia.htm.
2007-09-20 03:48:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The quickest way to get someone into the system against their will is to have them arrested for something, it could be minor, and let a judge see the behavior. If the judge thinks he is a danger to himself or others, then he will be given a 20 or 30 day evaluation.
An arrest for disturbing the peace or trespass is an minimal offense, and if he is found to have issues its usually dropped anyway.
2007-09-20 03:36:24 · answer #6 · answered by Andrew 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋