Psychiatrists ‘excluding’ families when treating patients

“DEEP concern” has been expressed that many psychiatrists are excluding family members when treating those suffering from a mental illness.

Speaking at the annual Irish Association of Suicidology (IAS) conference, president of the IAS Dan Neville, Fine Gael TD for Limerick, said too often he has encountered families who are extremely stressed due to lack of information on the treatment regime.

Mr Neville said while patient confidentially is frequently quoted as the reason, professionals must recognise that family involvement is key to the recovery process.

“I am concerned that a large section of the psychiatric profession fail to recognise this. Too many professionals refuse to include family members in the recovery of the patient. This is unique in the health services where in general medicine, professionals see the family involvement as part of the recovery programme after discharge from hospital.”

Mr Neville said he often receives complaints that the professionals do not listen.

“Sadly the views of the family are borne out and the person in crisis takes their life. This culture of exclusiveness of family in the recovery programme of a person with a mental ill health difficulty or suicide must change.”

The issue of control within the mental health services, and the use of force has been increasingly highlighted in recent months.

Currently, a 77-year-old woman is receiving a course of electric shock treatment (ECT) against her will and against the will of her family at Limerick’s psychiatric unit.

The woman is believed to be seriously depressed, but does not think the treatment is benefiting her and has expressed this opinion. It is understood she has already had the controversial treatment at least 10 times.

A family member told the Irish Examiner that they had written to the woman’s doctor and the hospital stating that they did not want the woman to have this treatment in accordance with her own wishes.

The case once again highlights the power of psychiatrists who can overrule patients and families when it comes to making decisions about treatment.

Mr Neville also said support must be given to suicide bereavement services.

“The effect of the suicide of a family member is profound. For parents, the loss of a child is a tragedy, while the loss of a parent has long term implications for a young person. As a society, we cannot ignore this issue. But professionals must also take an inclusive approach. Family members are key to identifying a sibling, spouse, parent or child in danger of loosing their life. The psychiatric profession should use this fact to the benefit of patients, rather than choosing to ignore it,” he said.