A Case for “Forced Treatment”?

Kita Says:

Thanks for the great link, Liz. A complicated topic that surely deserves more attention!

Joe Says:

Would a control group offered the same wrap-around services and housing sans AOT have realized the same outcomes? To what degree is the reduction in homelessness, suicide attempts, and substance abuse a function of the ability of individuals to now access the very services which they may have been denied prior to AOT?

The inability of the mental health system to provide housing, services, and supports on an as needed basis is no secret. It is easily forgotten that a homeless Andrew Goldstein begged to be hospitalized but was turned away by doctors for two years before the killing of Kendra Webdale. Is AOT the mental health system’s after the fact response to its failure to provide what was originally required to preclude AOT, ex. housing, treatment, medical care, life skills acquisition, psychosocial supports, etc.

It is telling that families in my area routinely refuse to take in a hospitalized family members who are ready for discharge. While other factors may come into play, it is common knowledge that individuals with mental illnesses who can’t be discharged for want of housing, services and supports in the community have priority for the aforementioned. While this has added months and in some cases years to hospitalizations it is practical response to a mental health system with a largely fixed service capacity and an ever growing service population.

Becky Murphy Says:

Saying that “AOT” does not require “forced drugging” is misleading. The people who are in “AOT” are coerced with the threat that if they do not take the drugs willingly, a court order to compel them to take them, or confine them to an inpatient facility will be sought. The fact that neuroleptic drugs are effective for a minority of people w/ a schizophrenia diagnosis does not justify that any one and everyone be coerced or otherwise compelled to take them given the risk of neurological, cognitive, and metabolic dysfunctions they do cause—everyone who takes them. But then I guess it is no big deal to tell “mentally ill” people that the drugs are treating a disease in their brain, proof of which has yet to be found—without telling them that the “treatment” can cause disabilities which will lessen the quality of their life and can actually shorten their life by a couple of decades. That when they complain about the illnesses the drugs cause they will not be listened to nor will their illnesses be treated. So, I guess the loss of a few decades isn’t so bad…Some will be lucky enough to experience sudden brain or cardiac death.

Thank you Joe for pointing out that providing supportive services without the coercion to take teratogenic drugs has in fact been just as successful as this social control program that was dreamed up by the brain collector, Torrey and championed by BJ Daffey, his lead sycophant. And also for sharing the case which the forced treatment lobby used to demand the law in New York State—was a case where the person was not going without treatment because he “lacked insight” and not want it, but he was actually begging for help. Very much like the people who are now forced into these coercive programs are now begging for help to free themselves…The irony…

Cheryl Prax Says:

Post these on Natasha’s site! Thanks

Neta Fitchett Says:

Hi many thanks for sharing these apps, away from the lot I like Evernote’ the ideal

Devin Barrett Says:

Perfectly pent subject matter, Really enjoyed reading through.