Questions people often ask

Are the services of the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (Scotland) restricted to people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and their carers?
Our services are open to all people affected by mental illness, irrespective of diagnosis.

Can a person see their medical notes?
Yes, or they can appoint someone else to see them. This applies to written and computer records dated after November 1991. Some of the notes can be withheld if it is believed that serious harm could possibly be caused to the patient's health if he/she saw them. Information does not have to be passed on to you if the other person could be identified in your notes, unless this is a health professional involved in your care.

What are the main welfare benefits that a person with mental illness can apply for?
The main welfare benefits for people with mental illness are Disability Living Allowance (DLA), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (which replaces the Incapacity Benefit). Students may be able to apply for Disabled Sutdents' Allowances (DSA).
You may be able to claim a single benefit or a combination of benefits. Do seek independent expert advice. Call NSF(S) for more information about help and advice in your area.

Can I get help in filling in forms?
Some NSF (Scotland) projects offer help with forms. Call National Office or check the 'in your area' section of this website.

What does 'sectioning' mean?
Sometimes it is necessary to admit people to hospital against their will. In that case people are often known as having been 'sectioned'. Most people is this situation are admitted under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003.

Can carers apply for benefits?
Carers can apply for Carer's Allowance. However receipt of CA may affect other benefits negatively (including those of your relative) so do seek expert advice before applying.

Can a carer get an assessment of their needs?
Yes, all carers are now entitled to an assessment of their needs. This is a right under the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002. The assessment is carried out by the local Social Work Department.

What is a carer's assessment?
You are entitled to a carer's assessment if you undertake a substantial and regular caring role for another person. The social worker will carry out the assessment to look at the help you provide and to determine your needs as a carer.

What is a community care assessment?
A social worker will visit and assess what care is needed and which services are necessary to enable a person to stay at home.

How can people complain?
There are many ways of doing this and information about the different routes and sources of help can be provided by NSF (Scotland).

Do carers and relatives have the right to information about a patient?
There are times when patient confidentiality prevents medical staff from giving information to other family members. For further Information see NSF (Scotland) Information Paper on Confidentiality.

Is there someone else I can speak to who has gone through something similar to me?
NSF (Scotland) runs groups of carers or service users across Scotland. For more information call 0131 662 4359 or check the 'in your area' part of this website.

Various medications have been mentioned. Can I get more information about these?
Yes. Factual information is available from various sources, including patient factsheets and from NSF (Scotland).

What is schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is a mental illness affecting around one person in 100. The first symptoms often develop in early adulthood, but may remain undiagnosed.

For some, the illness starts suddenly. Thoughts may become muddled and the sufferer may experience hallucinations. For others, it develops gradually and the person may show signs of withdrawal or self neglect.
Symptoms include:

- hallucinations
- delusions
- emotional blunting
- apathy
- speech difficulties
- thought disorders and strange behaviour

For more information, go to About Schizophrenia.

Am I entitled to a second opinion on diagnosis or treatment?
Yes. For more information phone NSF (Scotland)

Can a patient refuse drug treatment?
Yes, as a voluntary patient, and after 3 months of compulsory detention. However, a second opinion may be sought by the doctor from another doctor, and the treatment will continue if this doctor agrees that it is needed.

Can a patient be treated without his/her consent?
Yes, if detained on the 28 day or 6 month sections, but only in an emergency for voluntary patients or those detained for 72 hours.