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Severe Anxiety and Sensing a Different Reality
The wife of good friend suddenly became anxious about everything. Her husband had to to call 911 to get her to an ER. She seems to sense different reality. This happened a year and a half ago. She has not improved. She is now in a memory care facility. But her memory seems OK and she plays cards. Hee husband visits twice a day and helps her with every day care. She seems to be in a different reality. She rejects any suggestions such as meeting with friends, going out for dinner or going home. She insists her phone doesn't work. She is certain that she'll be kicked out of the facility because bills are not paid (intrue). She rejects all new clothes that they don't fit etc., etc. She has been to multiple psychiatrists who don't try to follow her and only prescribe drugs. We don't know of any similar situations, but would like to provide some advice to her husband. Has anyone seen a similar problem and know what to do about it. We suggested going g to Mayo, but her husband says she would not tolerate the three hour drive. We wonder if Mayo coul help in some way.
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I have no experience but would first red flag is, the meds she’s been prescribed is likely not doing her any good. Likely making her worse. The facility or a change of scenery. Normally, people don’t suddenly become anxious, there are underlying factors that go unnoticed until someone notices. A psychiatrist is best that wants to cure her vs throw meds but not sure a facility is the best place.
Has she been violent? Did she throw things while at home? Cause harm to anyone?
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2 ReactionsWas she checked for TIA or some kind of mini stroke?
Other than medication, that’s the only thing I can think of.
This sounds to me like some kind of dementia, but as far as I know, that does not come on suddenly.
Maybe there were signs that went unnoticed.
Best of luck sorting this out.
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2 ReactionsHas she had a brain MRI? Brain tumors in a certain part of the brain can cause anxiety and false beliefs such as insisting your phone doesn't work. In the 1960s, a childhood friend's mother started, "acting strange, " according to her family. After a year in a psychiatric hospital, a doctor ordered an Xray. A brain tumor! I know of two people who started getting depressed and not being themselves and in both cases, the psychiatrist who saw them, insisted on a Brain MRI before any psychiatric treatment plan was started. They said that it was Part of the Diagnostic Process these days.
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1 Reaction@malebreastcancer47 I have tinnitus , and I believe it was from my psych , meds , I feel very anxious , I know how she feels , that's the way I feel too. But I do go out some times. was in the emergency room this saturday , because the pysch nurse put me on La mictal. My anxiety is really bad. I myself don't know what to do.
@lydiagirl41
I am not a fan of meds for anxiety, depression. I get it they help and feel great but you can never withdraw from them. My mom is on both.
When I want to quit my cancer treatment due to side effects of fatigue, drowsiness, and hot flashes, I go to a local business that offers meditation with goats. They have goat yoga classes. Sometimes I just drive to pet the goats.
My therapist prescribed me an Alpha Stim. Its not covered by insurance, $850. It has helped with my anxiety immensely. It also helps with depression and insomnia.
https://alpha-stim.com/
Its good you know the underlying cause. Fighting and finding a good therapist is the best way. Meds do help.
Good luck.