Reader’s Question

My mom has had depression, with psychotic symptoms for 11 years or so. She becomes delusional and thinks that our relatives are doing things to her that lead her to start thinking constantly. She seems to only confide in me about her thoughts but only on my persistent questioning of what kind of thoughts are running through her head. These delusions and depression flare up from time to time. It occurred 2 years ago or so when my dad’s mother came to visit. My mom despises my dad and her family to an extent. When the delusions begin it always begins with my dad’s sister and her sons somehow doing something to her thoughts and purposefully making her sick. I’ve been studying psychology myself for 4 years and have been able to help her to some extent. Because she doesn’t speak English my search for a therapist/psychologist has come to a screeching halt. I have been looking after her for years, however, I don’t know what else I can do to help her. I want her to get better. She’s been on medication for years as well. It’s difficult to constantly worry about her when I am at college sitting in a class, working, or whereever I am. I’ve given up my social life so I can help her get better, so in the end she herself would have a better life for herself. And that’s all I wish for to happen. I am hoping you can shed some light on what I can do to help her. Because I am clueless at this point what else to do…

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

Individuals with paranoid delusions typically add anything new in their environment to the delusions. In paranoia — everything in the environment is personally relevant and negatively so. A call from a telemarketer means the government is monitoring her. A visit from a relative means they are trying to alter her thoughts, make her ill, or steal her ideas.

If your mother is receiving medications — that physician is your first source of help and support. Due to her paranoia, I assume her medications are provided by a psychiatrist. If this isn’t the case, she should be seen by a psychiatrist to assure the proper medication for her psychiatric symptoms. Some antidepressant medications can produce paranoia so it’s important that a psychiatrist be consulted when psychotic symptoms are present.

If she doesn’t speak English, look to larger cities for a same-language physician who may direct you to a same-language psychiatrist, psychologist or therapist. You can also contact regional hospitals for same-language staff who may have referrals. In dealing with paranoia, it’s also important that any same-language professional be same-culture as well. You might also use college connections such as professors to provide some referrals.

If your mother is aware of her paraonia, that is, if she has insight into her psychiatric symptoms — there may be same-language mental health support groups on the internet. I hope this helps in your difficult situation.