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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
my aunt's mental condition
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD) , bipolar disorder , dementia , electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) , learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic , personality disorders, phobias , post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) , schizophrenia , stress , transitions, and work problems.
my aunt's mental condition
by Cynthia, Jan 09, 2000 12:00AM
my family and i are searching for a way to get my aunt(42years old) some help for which we may believe is schizophrenia (sc, i will use this abbrev.), but we are not sure,because she doesn't feel she needs any help. my mother has sc and she has been being treated for this for about 30 years. my aunt has just recently (1.5 yrs)has showed signs of being disoriented, not eating, she has not worked 1.5 yrs. we have hospitalized her in the area hospital, she was there for about 1month. she acted terribly and would not take any medications unless forced. now she is at home, but she is putting severe strain(fighting, cursing, etc.) on my other aunt and my mother, they have had to have her forcibly moved off their property, we fear she will hurt some one, because her depression?? has turned to anger??? she has lost 80lbs. my question-other than a state institution (where my mom has been,and we have bad experience with) where can we get her help if she is not willing? she is actually worse than my mom.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS-M.D-HG, Jan 11, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Cynthia
I understand your concern about your Aunt. Many people with mental illness deny their pathology.If your Aunt is dangerous to herself or others, it is important that she gets hospitalized for adequate treatment.She may be suffering from schizoaffective disorder/schizophrenia or depressive disorder with psychotic features.You may consider calling your local community mental health center for the options that are available.If any time she gets out of control call crisis line or take her to the nearest Emergency Room. You can call 911 if you need assistance in taking her to the hospital. Good Luck to you.
I understand your concern about your Aunt. Many people with mental illness deny their pathology.If your Aunt is dangerous to herself or others, it is important that she gets hospitalized for adequate treatment.She may be suffering from schizoaffective disorder/schizophrenia or depressive disorder with psychotic features.You may consider calling your local community mental health center for the options that are available.If any time she gets out of control call crisis line or take her to the nearest Emergency Room. You can call 911 if you need assistance in taking her to the hospital. Good Luck to you.
