Recommendation
Mental health services should not assume that longstanding psychotic symptoms are due to the misuse of illicit substances without carrying out an objective assessment of these issues over time.
Recommendation
Where families ask the mental health service for support due to an ongoing deterioration in a loved-one’s mental health this should be proactively investigated, and families informed of the steps taken.
Recommendation
Services need to recognise that, as carers age they become potentially more vulnerable. In addition, the safety of carers/family members should always be considered when a service user is displaying coercive, controlling or violent behaviour.