The article by Meredith Cohn, "Involuntary treatment for the mentally ill in Maryland" (Dec. 10) and your editorial, "Refusing treatment" (Dec. 11), are very accurate. I know because I have had to deal with my son's refusal to take any medication for many years. He is psychotic and very delusional but he believes there is nothing wrong with him so he does not see the need for medication. This is, of course, in the face of numerous hospitalizations, police encounters and the emailing of thousands of insulting and demeaning letters to any institution of authority. On top of this, his health continues to decline for lack of medical treatment.
My son needs OCC (outpatient civil commitment) to restore his rational thoughts and decision making process. Thank you for letting the people of Maryland know about this awful disease and what can be done to help these unfortunate individuals and their suffering families. We really need help.
H. Giles Knight, Bethesda