AOT could be a lifeline for families affected by schizophrenia.

The bad news: I am hearing more and more of our parents talking not only about addiction to THC, but also cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP). While in some cases the psychosis is temporary, in others–including many in their teens and twenties–the disorder transitions into a spectrum of schizophrenia disorders. Sadly, there are limited resources to help relieve families of the burden of caretaking for those with serious mental illness (SMI). In CT, there are less than 300 state-run beds for non-criminal cases. The patients I’m concerned about, which represent a subset, are those with: 1) schizophrenia spectrum disorder; 2) lack of insight that they are sick (about 40%) ; and 3) have ceased to take prescribed meds or engage in treatment; all of which leads to them becoming a risk to themselves and others. This becomes a complete nightmare for families, who have no professional experience. Thus, a revolving door of hospitals, homelessness, incarceration, and home stays takes place with no end in sight.

The good news: In the last 10-15 years, advocates have stepped forward with the Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) tool to help families in CT. This tool gives family members the leverage they need for their loved ones to engage in treatment. AOT has been passed in 48 states, with the exception of CT and MA.

Let’s get together for conversation: All of the mental health providers I talked with in my community are pro AOT. They understand how family members feel, having a loved one under their roof who are a risk ot themselves and others. I ask everyone interested in mental and behavioral health to come together for open conversation on AOT. We are hosting a Pathway Session on April 22 on this very topic. Let’s discuss what actions that can be taken, especially at the state level, to help family members. You will hear more about this from me in future posts, but in the meantime feel free to read this guide on AOT for Family Members, or go to https://www.tac.org/aot/.