How do you deal with a family member who has a psychotic disorder and?

Who has nothing but contempt and bad feelings towards his other family members? I have a brother like this and it seems he has nothing but hatred and evil in him and threatens to harm us. We've tried everything we can to help him but we've reached the end of our rope and cannot deal with this situation any longer. What can be done? He refuses to take his medication or to be sent to a hospital for treatment. He also refuses to leave the house because that's what it has come to. Help! Any words of wisdom?

My mother is a paranoid schizophrenic and I am now 18 years old. I have dealt with her my whole life but found what is most helpful is to understand what they are going through and that their feelings of hatred toward you are part of their disease. Treatment is very helpful, my mom was a lot worse before she switched medications and even now she has her ups and downs but is a lot better. Try to convince your brother to get treatment or talk to your parents about convincing him. Also, let your brother know that you are there for him, and give him support because I'm sure he needs it. I hope this helps!

You can have him comitted.

I would talk to my parents and let them know (gently) that you feel threatened by his behavior. (Though I would most likely ask your parents to not let him know.)

It might open your parents eyes and force them to see what they have been trying not to see. Depending on your brother's age your parents could either force him to take his medication, go to some sort of counseling. Perhaps confronted with a couple of choices he might make a better decision.

If the choice were: A. Take your medication and live with us. or B. You don't have to take your medication but you need to go to counseling. or C. (which would be him not making any choice) You will move somewhere where they will MAKE you take your medication and MAKE you go to therepy AND keep an eye on you, away from home.

If he is violent, you call the police and they will remove him to a hospital. When he is to appear in court you should have statements from his doctor showing he should be medicated and since he wont take it and is showing violent actions you wish he be committed until such time they can help get himself back under control. If they won't do that then say because of the violent behavior you do not want him back into your home. That you will store, what ever he has for him until he can make permanent arrangements else where. At that time also file for a restraining order for you and all members of the household including the property on which you live. I wish you the best of luck dealing with a person with a mental health problem is so hard on every one, but you have to stand strong, and apply some tough love to make him understand he must take his meds and control himself.

This is entirely up to the adult who is the head of the family. It might be a good idea to treat this as a non-mental problem and more of a parenting dilemma. Then the best people will be used to help you. Start with your minister for more information.