If a Man Begins Losing His Mind

[caoindealbhan]

Say, he starts hearing voices on a regular basis. He takes medication but the voices don’t go away. He becomes paranoid and is diagnosed bi-polar paranoid schizophrenic to the point where he feels his own wife is conspiring against him, what should he do before he loses it completely? What is morally correct? Should he institutionalize himself? How does he provide for his wife and children from an institution? Does his health take precedence over the family?
his mental state is in a state of deterioration. He is now feeling violent towards those that conspire. He has become depressed. What should he do?

 

[LilyM]

This is a professional (medical and other counselling) matter. We here at CAF aren’t qualified professionals, and it is against forum policy to give advice on the forums about such matters. The man needs urgent attention from a doctor (GP or psychiatrist) or counsellor who is experienced in his particular conditions.

This is an absolutely critical and urgent matter - the man’s own health is at stake and so is the safety of his family, as he is feeling violent toward them.

The man should get in touch with a doctor or counsellor as soon as possible (in other words today) and tell them exactly what your post says. If he can’t see anyone today, there are usually free-of-charge telephone counselling hotlines that have trained staff to help people in his situation. Or simply call regular emergency services if all else fails (911 or what have you).

 

[YipYupYep]

Sounds like a pretty rough situation.

I would say that a family Doc wont be of any real help. A PHD MD psychiatrist is the first step. A specialist in that area would be best.

Then, get the meds right. This sounds like a medical problem and needs medical solution.

Sooner the better.

 

[LilyM]

Sounds like a pretty rough situation.

I would say that a family Doc wont be of any real help. A PHD MD psychiatrist is the first step. A specialist in that area would be best.

Then, get the meds right. This sounds like a medical problem and needs medical solution.

Sooner the better.

If the family doc was my mum they certainly would - not that she’s a psychiatric expert, but she can pull strings to get patients seen quickly better than any other doctor I know.

 

[GracedUpon]

This man should seek the nearest crisis unit immediately for an evaluation. If he is so paranoid that his wife is trying to kill him, he may become violent against her, not because he wants to hurt her, but because in his state of mind (thinking she was trying to kill him), he would honestly think it was self defense. If this man does not agree to seek help, then you should call 911 and let them know that he is in crisis and may be at risk of harming others. They will send police and/or an ambulance to pick him up and bring him to the nearest hospital or psych unit for evaluation and possibly stay for a few days. They will adjust his meds and see if that helps. I am not an expert in psychiatry, and this is not to be construed as medical advice, but in my limited experience working in the mental health field, I have learned that clozaril is a very potent anti-psychotic drug that often works with patients who don’t respond well to others. This may be something he could discuss with his psychiatrist, or his psychiatrist may have other ideas as well. God bless.

 

[YipYupYep]

If the family doc was my mum they certainly would - not that she’s a psychiatric expert, but she can pull strings to get patients seen quickly better than any other doctor I know.

Sure. You bet. As a referral agent, one would very well fast track.

More or less I was referring to a family GP trying this drug or that and lets see what happens. Maybe your just having a bad day.

I actually know a widow who is now in a law suit with a large hospital in a wrongful death that all began in the ER with a mental patient. The ordinary Doc- in- the- box just does not know the delicate nuances of psychiatry and the cutting edge of drug therapy.