Controversy

Should we force medication on those who need it desperately, but oppose it vehemently?

So often people are brought in (or should I say dragged in) by their family in hopes of obtaining medication to "fix" their problem. At this point it is a family problem, often it is a neighborhood problem, and if the person drives it becomes a societal problem. Plainly stated, people with certain mental health ailments are in such a state of denial, they refuse to acknowledge the obvious - there is something wrong and instead of it going away, it is actually getting worse.

It is freightening to see somebody who is paranoid, who's voices in their head are battling to keep others at bay. Families and close neighbors are acutely aware of the problem and the police are often called in, but their hands are often tied. Are they a danger to others or themselves is the criteria and anything outside of the is outside their realm of intervention. Same as us. Families can bring the horse to our water, but even the most incredible psychiatrist or therapist can't make them drink.

Do we force medication on those we know are obvious candidates for medicine? It seems cruel to the courts to even consider this. Then what? Do we have to wait until they attempt to harm themselves or others? To the family members who live with them, it is a daily / hourly nightmare. Try to walk on eggshells all day long, trying not to trigger an outburst, or try debating that the FBI isn't really trying to plot against them. These drawn out conversations with somebody so fixated on their position on a daily / hourly basis can run you ragged to say the least. Forced medication seems more logical to these people who suffer emotional abuse constantly.

I am in favor of a specialized group of clinicians whose job it is to assess people for injectables on a monthly basis if they deem it is needed. These people would need specialized training and have to all be in agreement for forced medication. Is this cruel? I don't think so. The people that slip through the cracks that would respond favorably to the medication would now get the help they desperately need.

Your comments are appreciated.