FAQs

Schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting around one person in 100. The first symptoms often develop in early adulthood, but may remain undiagnosed.

Schizophrenia is not a split personality.

Yes, all carers are entitled to an assessment of their needs. This is a right under the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002.

Yes, if detained on the 28 day or 6 month sections, but only in an emergency for voluntary patients or those detained for 72 hours.

Yes, as a voluntary patient, and after 3 months of compulsory detention. However, a second opinion may be sought by the doctor from another doctor, and the treatment will continue if this doctor agrees that it is needed.

Yes, or they can appoint someone else to see them. This applies to written and computer records dated after November 1991. Some of the notes can be withheld if it is believed that serious harm could possibly be caused to the patient's health if he/she saw them. Information does not have to be passed on to you if the other person could be identified in your notes, unless this is a health professional involved in your care.

People can and do recover from mental illness. Recovery is very personal and means different things to different. Recovery is different from cure.

Some people may only experience one episode in their lifetime, others will live with a mental health disorder all their lives.

Medication can alleviate symptoms.

There are times when patient confidentiality prevents medical staff from giving information to other family members.

The first step is to follow the NHS procedures to raise a complaint about your/your relative's treatment.

Yes. Factual information is available from various sources, including patient factsheets. Please contact info@supportinmindscotland.org.uk for more detail.

The main welfare benefits for people with mental illness are Disability Living Allowance (DLA)(which is being phased out) and Employment Support Allowance.

You are entitled to a carer's assessment if you undertake a substantial and regular caring role for another person. The social worker will carry out the assessment to look at the help you provide and to determine your needs as a carer.

A social worker will visit and assess what care is needed and which services are necessary to enable a person to stay at home.

Depot medication is used for some mental disorders, when you may hear voices or feel very agitated, most often in schizophrenia or depression.

ECT means electoconvulsive therapy, an electrical current passed through a person, used within hospitals for the treatment of severe depressive illness, catatonia or prolonged or severe manic episode,

This is a decision that should be reached between you and your doctor. If you are too ill to discuss medication a relative or friend can be involved in the discussions.