Having a parent or close relative with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder means that a person will have a slightly greater than normal chance of developing the condition. A psychotic illness can be triggered in a person who is at risk by a number of factors. The first step towards getting help is to recognise that there may be a problem and to seek advice. The person with the illness may not notice the problem and deny that there is anything wrong. Often, other people notice that the ill person is not functioning as well as they normally do.
Parents are often the first to ask for help.
The family doctor or school nurse can give good advice. They will be able to get specialist help if it is needed. A psychiatrist may need to visit the person to find out whether or not they are ill, and to offer the treatment that is needed. Getting help The goals of treatment are to reduce or stop the symptoms of the illness. Most treatment is provided by a psychiatrist on an out-patient basis.