
Suggest Treatment For Schizophrenia And Bipolar Disorder

He had a normal childhood. Very close to his father. He plays 5 instruments and a very smart man. At the age of 16 his dad, who was a country star, developed melanoma. He lived for two more years with great deterioration. When he passed away his death seemed to be a trigger for him to change. He also is a substance abuse and smoker!
Now, for my question: Where and how can my daughter get answers. He lives with her and he is on SSI. How do we get quality care and correct diagnosis and help! My daughter is frantic to get help for him before this disease escalates to perhaps a more serious situation. She has to work and has to be sure he is safe. She also needs to get medical authority over him. A lawyer she inquired said it would take $6,000 tto " start" this process! All we need to know is where to start and where to get information to help him get well! I am assuming he is on Medicaid. Help! Thanking you in advance!
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
I'm sorry your grandson is going through such a difficult illness. I'm sure this is very stressful for you as well. Here are my thoughts.
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are very serious chronic illnesses that require close monitoring by a psychiatrist for life. Your grandson can be more well and more stable, but this requires he see a psychiatrist regularly and take his medications. If he does not, he will likely continue to be hospitalized repeatedly.
The first step is for your daughter to get legal guardianship over your grandson. This is a legal matter and not a medical matter, so I have limited information. Reach out to a lawyer to get this process started -- because it involves a judgement to remove your grandson's civil liberties, it can take quite some time to accomplish.
Next, your grandson needs to see a psychiatrist who can treat him long-term. There are injectable medications that last a month, which would be useful for your grandson as it can keep medicine in the system even if he doesn't take oral pills regularly. Use the internet to search for Medicaid providers in your area.
Once he is on a long-acting injectable medication, he may improve. These are the steps to take. It may take a long time, as this is a chronic illness that lasts for life, but these steps may make it easier for you.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers


Last as long as a month
Detailed Answer:
This shot was like one of the long-acting injectable medications I mentioned in my reply above. It seems the psychiatrists taking care of your grandson were thinking along similar lines as me. This is good. This shot, depending on the medication used, could last as long as a month. This is definitely a step in the right direction. I'm glad things are improving for you and your family!
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Answered by

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
