We are planning to move to Malaga province early 2011.
One of our family members has a maintained mood disorder and currently recieves medication to control it.
Does anyone have any experience of this in Spain?
Would they still be able to receive the meds?
Is there a crisis team available for meltdowns?
What about incapacity benefit, carers allowance?

Any info appreciated
Thanks

I know it’a bit of a taboo subject, but someone must know something!
Unfortuantely this isn’t a problem that disappears if you ignore it!

Really need advice on this before we move!

I?m afraid I don?t know a lot about the subject, but my friend who has a family member with mental problems had to go to her local G.P who sent her to the specialist where she was evaluated and treatment including prescription medicine was prescribed. During a severe crisis whe was sent to a section of the local hospital for a couple of weeks. As to incapacity benefits I think it would depend on the age of the person and if they had paid into the social security system. Carers allowances usually depend on the local or provincial authorities and obtaining them is a long drawn out process. I don?t know but again I would think that it depends if you have paid into the system. I hope that there is someone who knows more than I do about the subject and who can answer your questions. There is an association of families and people with mental illnesses on the Costa del Sol AFESOL. If you look at their web page it may give you some answers. There may be a contact number where you can ask if there are any English speakers available to help you.

This will answer some of your questions

http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/pensions-benefits/uk-benefits/

The people at http://www.sinews.es are really excellent too. They’re in Madrid but may have solid connections and information for you too.

Thank you everyone for the responses. I shall look into all your recommendations. 😊

There are some British psychologists on the Costa del Sol.

I’m afraid I can only recommend one, as I don’t know anyone who admits to having seen any others. Like you say it can be a bit of a taboo subject.

Tracy Sauders
http://www.headstartcentres.org/headstart_learning_centre