Schizoaffective Disorder

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Mental Illness - Information for Families

Suggestions for what families can do to help a mentally ill family member:

1. Assist your family member to find effective medical treatment. To find a psychiatrist, you may contact your own medical doctor or check with NAMI. You may also call or write the American Psychiatric Association.

2. Seek consultation regarding financial consideration for treatment. You may call your local Social Security office and check with your family member’s health insurance. Often quality treatment is not pursued because of financial considerations.

3. Learn as much as you can about the mental illness with which your family member has been diagnosed.

4. Recognize warning signs of relapse.

5. Find ways to handle symptoms of schizoaffective disorder or other mental illness. Some suggestions are: Try not to argue with your loved one if they have their hallucinations or delusions (as the person believes it is real); do not make fun of or criticize them; and especially do not act alarmed. The more calm you can be, the better it is.

6. Be happy with slow progress and allow your loved one to feel O. K. with a little success.

7. If your family member is out of control or suicidal (harm to self or others), stay calm and call 911. Do not try to handle it alone.

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