Seeking Help for My Mother's Unusual Behavior: A Psychiatric Concern

Hello Doctor, I hope you can respond. This is my mother, thank you?

Hello, doctor.
I would like to ask about my mother.
She graduated with a master's degree from a prestigious university and is 45 years old.
She does not smoke or drink, but she often engages in strange behaviors.
For example, she believes that her phone is being monitored, so she asks us to use LINE.
After using LINE, she claims it is unsafe and tells us to switch to Skype, and this cycle continues.
She frequently changes her email account and also says that certain celebrities are plagiarizing her work, that people are spying on her, and that the Chinese Communist Party is out to harm her.
Sometimes she even asks me to use a payphone and to make several copies of her personal information.
Could you please provide some advice on how to handle this situation? Thank you.

Siguo Haoshi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/07/14

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry

Hello, based on the symptoms described in your letter regarding your mother, it is quite evident that she is experiencing delusions.
The best course of action in this situation is to take her to see a doctor and consider medication.
Attempting to rationally discuss and change her delusions may not only be ineffective but could also prove to be an extremely challenging task.

Typically, the issue you will encounter is that she does not perceive herself as having a problem that requires medical attention.
At this point, it may be helpful to have someone she trusts encourage her to seek treatment, framing it not as a matter of her irrational thoughts, but rather addressing issues she can recognize, such as insomnia or feelings of fear.
This approach may make her more amenable to visiting a hospital.
If this still does not work, you should assess whether her delusions pose a risk of harm to herself or others.
In such cases, you can contact the local health department for assistance in facilitating involuntary hospitalization.

This is a general overview for your reference.
Wishing you all the best.

Sincerely,
Dr.
Ding Shuo-Yan

Reply Date: 2015/07/14

More Info

Based on the information you've provided about your mother's behavior, it appears that she may be experiencing significant psychological distress, which could be indicative of a psychiatric condition. Her actions, such as frequently changing communication methods due to fears of being monitored, believing that others are stealing her ideas, and expressing paranoia about external threats, suggest that she may be dealing with anxiety, paranoia, or even a more serious mental health issue.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Paranoia and Anxiety: Your mother's insistence on changing communication methods and her belief that others are spying on her could be symptoms of paranoia. This can often stem from anxiety disorders, where individuals feel an overwhelming sense of fear or worry about their safety and privacy.

2. Compulsive Behavior: The repetitive nature of her actions, such as constantly changing her email and communication methods, may indicate a compulsive behavior pattern. This can be associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or other anxiety-related conditions.

3. Delusions: If she genuinely believes that specific individuals or groups are out to harm her without any evidence, this could be classified as a delusion. Delusions are fixed false beliefs that are resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact.

Recommendations for Seeking Help
1. Open Communication: Start by having an open and non-confrontational conversation with your mother. Express your concerns in a caring manner, emphasizing that you want to help her feel safe and secure. Avoid labeling her behavior as "crazy" or "abnormal," as this could lead to defensiveness.

2. Encourage Professional Help: Suggest that she see a mental health professional. Frame it as a way to gain support for her feelings and experiences. You might say something like, "I think talking to someone who understands these feelings could really help you feel better."
3. Involve Family: If possible, involve other family members who can support your mother in seeking help. Sometimes, hearing concerns from multiple loved ones can encourage someone to take action.

4. Consult a Professional: If she is resistant to seeking help, consider consulting a mental health professional yourself. They can provide guidance on how to approach the situation and may suggest strategies for encouraging her to seek treatment.

5. Emergency Situations: If her behavior escalates to a point where she poses a danger to herself or others, it may be necessary to seek emergency assistance. In such cases, contacting local mental health services or emergency services may be required to ensure her safety.

6. Educate Yourself: Learn more about mental health issues, particularly those that may relate to your mother's symptoms. Understanding her condition can help you communicate more effectively and empathize with her struggles.

Conclusion
Your mother's behavior is concerning and suggests that she may be experiencing a mental health crisis. It is crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding while encouraging her to seek professional help. Mental health issues can be complex, and having the support of family can make a significant difference in her willingness to seek treatment. Remember, the goal is to help her feel safe and understood, which may ultimately lead her to the help she needs.

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