Richard Mullen1, Anita Gibbs, John Dawson. 1. Department of Psychological Medicine, Dunedin School of Medicine, New Zealand. richard.mullen@stonebow.otago.ac.nz
Abstract
BACKGROUND: People with serious mental disorders typically live with family members. Despite increasing interest in compulsory community treatment for such patients, the experience and views of their family members have been little studied. MATERIAL: Qualitative interviews with 27 family members, whose relatives have been subject to compulsory community treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Family members are generally in favour of the use of compulsory community treatment orders. They perceive a positive influence on their relative, on themselves, on family relationships, and on relations with the clinical team. Family members are aware of the ethical and other dilemmas that attend the use of compulsory community care.
BACKGROUND:People with serious mental disorders typically live with family members. Despite increasing interest in compulsory community treatment for such patients, the experience and views of their family members have been little studied. MATERIAL: Qualitative interviews with 27 family members, whose relatives have been subject to compulsory community treatment. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Family members are generally in favour of the use of compulsory community treatment orders. They perceive a positive influence on their relative, on themselves, on family relationships, and on relations with the clinical team. Family members are aware of the ethical and other dilemmas that attend the use of compulsory community care.