Should We Take Dad to a Mental Health Specialist?

Q: Should We Take Dad to a Mental Health Specialist?

Hello： Dad's emotional reactions seem to be related to his interactions with Mom and others. <br>Whether it has reached a level of illness still needs to be assessed. <br>If Dad is willing to visit a mental health specialist, that would be best (you can tell him it's for consulta

Should I take them to see a psychiatrist?

Hello, my father is in his sixties.
In the past year or two, my mother has made some new friends and has been going out on weekends.
Occasionally, she invites my father to join her, but after a few outings together, he suddenly became very resentful about her going out with those friends, which has led to him sulking.
Recently, this has escalated; even when my mother just goes out to buy groceries or pick something up, he gets angry.
Even when she explains beforehand why she is going out, it doesn’t help, and he remains upset.
Eventually, we found out that he has been thinking that my mother is going out to meet other men.
No matter how everyone tries to reason with him, he refuses to listen and just responds with, "You all don’t know anything!" Last week, he got upset again because my mother went out to dinner with neighbors and even threatened to hit her (this is the second time he has threatened to hit someone).
Should we take him to a geriatric psychiatry specialist for evaluation? Will medication help improve this situation? Thank you!

9, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/09

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry

Hello: Dad's emotional reactions seem to be related to his interactions with Mom and others.
Whether it has reached a level of illness still needs to be assessed.
If Dad is willing to visit a mental health specialist, that would be best (you can tell him it's for consultation rather than treatment).
Whether medication is necessary can be evaluated and decided by the physician.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2016/07/09

More Info

It sounds like you are facing a very challenging situation with your father, and it's understandable that you're concerned about his mental health and the well-being of your family. Based on the information you've provided, it does seem that your father's behavior has changed significantly, leading to increased anger and suspicion towards your mother. This could indicate underlying mental health issues that may need to be addressed.

Should You Take Your Dad to a Mental Health Specialist?
Yes, it would be advisable to take your father to a mental health specialist, particularly a geriatric psychiatrist or a psychologist who specializes in elderly care. The behaviors you've described—such as irrational anger, jealousy, and even threats of violence—are concerning and could be indicative of several potential issues, including depression, anxiety, or even early signs of dementia or other cognitive disorders.

Signs That Indicate the Need for Professional Help
1. Increased Irritability and Anger: Your father's heightened sensitivity to your mother's activities and his angry outbursts are significant red flags. This change in behavior can be distressing not only for him but also for the entire family.

2. Paranoia or Suspicion: The belief that your mother is going out to meet other men, despite reassurances from family members, suggests a level of paranoia that is not typical behavior. This could stem from anxiety, depression, or cognitive decline.

3. Threats of Violence: The fact that he has made threats to harm your mother is particularly alarming. This behavior should not be taken lightly, as it poses a risk to her safety and indicates a serious escalation in his mental health issues.

Potential Benefits of Seeking Help
1. Diagnosis and Treatment: A mental health professional can provide a thorough assessment to determine if there are underlying conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, or cognitive impairments like dementia. Early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment.

2. Medication: If a mental health condition is diagnosed, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms. For example, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications can help stabilize mood and reduce irritability.

3. Therapy: In addition to medication, therapy can be beneficial. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help your father learn coping strategies and address irrational thoughts and behaviors.

4. Family Support: Involving a mental health professional can also provide guidance for the family on how to cope with your father's behavior and improve communication within the family.

How to Approach the Situation
1. Choose the Right Time: Find a calm moment to discuss your concerns with your father. Avoid confrontational language and express your worries from a place of care and concern.

2. Involve Your Mother: Since your mother is directly affected by his behavior, it may be helpful for her to be part of the conversation. Together, you can express your concerns and suggest that he sees a doctor.

3. Be Patient: Understand that he may resist the idea of seeing a mental health professional. It may take time for him to accept that he needs help.

4. Safety First: If there is an immediate threat of violence, prioritize safety. If necessary, seek emergency help or contact local authorities.

Conclusion
In conclusion, your father's behavior is concerning and warrants professional evaluation. Taking him to a mental health specialist can provide clarity and potentially lead to effective treatment. It's essential to approach this situation with empathy and patience, as mental health issues can be complex and sensitive. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and it can lead to improved quality of life for your father and peace of mind for your family.

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