ISLAMABAD, Sept. 28 (ONLINE): – George Kaufmann, an 81-year-old retiree from California, has been dealing with his son\u2019s mental illness for close to 30 years.<\/p>\n
His son, Patrick, 48, had his first psychotic episode at 19, Kaufmann said. He\u2019d previously dealt with depression, suicidal ideation and drug use, \u201c\u201cbut things came to a head at that point.\u201d<\/p>\n
Like many people with severe mental illness, Patrick lacked insight into his condition. \u201cDespite his dangerous behaviors, he didn\u2019t realize he had any type of problem,\u201d Kaufmann said. <\/p>\n
The only way Kaufmann and his wife were able to get help for their son was by getting a court order to have him treated involuntarily. Patrick\u2019s first experience with the mental health system was being dragged out of the house in handcuffs.<\/p>\n
The difficulties the Kaufmanns\u2019 have experienced is not unique. New research is showing that caring for a loved one with a mental illness exacts a tremendous toll.
\n\u201cDespite his dangerous behaviors, he didn\u2019t realize he had any type of problem.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNeedless to say, this didn\u2019t get his relationship with mental health providers off to a good start. What followed was a rocky period of about 8 to 10 years, where he had a series of involuntary hospitalizations because he was a threat to himself and others.\u201d Kaufman said. <\/p>\n
During that time, Patrick was assigned to an intensive case management program called ACT (assertive community treatment). The program consists of psychiatrists, nurses, therapist, and case managers, who work as a team to provide holistic care. <\/p>\n
Although he attended the program, he usually refused to take medication unless the court ordered it. But the staff didn\u2019t give up and eventually, Patrick decided to accept treatment. <\/p>\n
Patrick\u2019s care team got him into a residential program for people with dual diagnosis (mental illness and substance abuse). After becoming clean, sober, and regularly taking his medications, he was able to start living independently. He got certified as a peer specialist, working as an employment counselor for youth with first-episode psychosis at the same provider where he\u2019d received services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, Sept. 28 (ONLINE): – George Kaufmann, an 81-year-old retiree from California, has been dealing with his son\u2019s mental illness for close to 30 years. His son, Patrick, 48, had his first psychotic episode at 19, Kaufmann said. He\u2019d previously dealt with depression, suicidal ideation […]<\/p>\n
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