[JMIR]

Hello, my firiend self admits himself to the hospital, is consumed by paranoia. The inpatient new physician tell us that unless the patient gives him permission to discuss his care, then he will tell family nothing!!!

The psych patient to give permission, that is so stupid it is funny!

My friend says he wants to get out, the family is not ready, not prepared and my friend is not either, but physician is NO help!!!!

Physician basically says, ok, unless you are going to hurt yourself or someone else, then he gets out! No plan of care, NOTHING!!!

Can the family do anything to keep him in? It is horrible!!

[krzyk101]

THERE IS NOTHING "STUPID OR FUNNY" ABOUT A PSYCH PATIENT HAVING RIGHTS

There must be a reason your friend does not want his family involved in his treatment. Possibly he sees them as a threat by wanting him to stay in an inpatient facility which is not a pleasant place to be, and unless your friend wants them to be involved it is part of our RIGHTS as Mentally or Physically Ill to decide who and who we do not wish to be part of our treatment team. Kudos on your friend getting out of inpatient. The Psychiatrist is a highly trained individual and knows more than a family member, I am sure he would not be discharging your friend if he were in any true danger to himself or others.

Sorry, been there , my family tried to keep me in when it was not necessary and I exercised my right to go against my familys wishes and listened to the treatment team and I did not go to that Group Home my family thought was in my (actually there) best interest.

Perhaps the family should try and find a NAMI meeting and get involved while your friend is not hospitalized instead of demanding to be included, we do have rights theses days.

This is not unusual or an outrage it is the right of every adult patient. It is the law.

[imatter2]

I agree with Krzyk, not only does the patient have rights -- ANY patient in ANY situation for ANY diagnosis, mental health related or not, but legally the physician CAN NOT release information without the patient's consent due to HIPPA laws. It is not not not "stupid." It gives the patient some control and responsibility in their health, which in itself can be very theraputic. I know it can be frustrating but try to just cool your jets.

[(JD)]

Contact the facility administrator? It's been generally accepted (though you know how things go) that before being discharged a patient is stablized (on medication?) and has a plan for therapy they agree to follow (when not hospitalized) which usually includes an actual appointment day/time.

Good wishes on helping them!

[AtreyuFreak]

I actually think it's a good thing he was release. I've been commited involuntarily--yes, I was a threat to myself, but the whole thing was so intimidating that I didn't let it help. Even if the patient self-admits, it doesn't mean he's ready to get help. A lot of people just go because people keep pushing them to get help. You have to let him do this on his terms, otherwise it will be more destructive than helpful. And I ABSOLUTELY think the inpatient doctor did the right thing! Until I turned 18 last month, my family could know every dirty little secret about my treatment, and I HATED it; mostly because my family caused half those problems in the first place!!! I'm guessing your friend has a reason for not wanting his family to know.

[Perna]

It's a hospital, a medical institution; doesn't matter what is wrong with a patient, they can come and go when they wish; it's not a prison. When one is taken by ambulance to a hospital and admitted, if you want to leave "early," before your doctors think is wise, you sign forms saying you are leaving "Against Medical Advice". But if your friend went to the hospital on their own, they can leave on their own; they are their own person!