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Real members of myALZteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How do you deal with paranoia and mania?

A myALZteam Member asked a question 💭
Portland, OR

This has been a terrible week, my husband has had daily multiple episodes of paranoia, mania, illogical thoughts and mood swings similar to sundowning in the daytime. He has been on a mood suppressant for over a year which used to help but is not now. I am exhausted and our daughters have had to come over multiple times to help calm him. What have you done with this, meds? This is getting to be unmanageable especially with maintaining a full time job. Help any suggestions welcomed!

September 29, 2018
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Answer Summary

Members rallied around a caregiver struggling with her husband's escalating paranoia and mania, offering both immediate coping strategies and... Read more

Members rallied around a caregiver struggling with her husband's escalating paranoia and mania, offering both immediate coping strategies and long-term care guidance. Several members recommended contacting the doctor right away to adjust medications, with specific suggestions including low-dose antipsychotics rather than mood stabilizers alone, and potentially consulting a psychiatrist, internist, or new neurologist if the current one won't treat the whole patient. A recurring theme was the heartbreaking but compassionate acknowledgment that full-time care facilities may become necessary when symptoms become unmanageable, with encouragement to prioritize both the patient's safety and the caregiver's own wellbeing and mental health.

A myALZteam Member

Time to change meds or change doctors! You need help now!

September 29, 2018
A myALZteam Member

You might want to let the Dr know right away.When he gets upset try changing the subject or anything to distract him.🤗🤗

September 29, 2018
A myALZteam Member

A full time care facility is not always financially an option.

October 16, 2019
A myALZteam Member

As hard as it may be to do - and we caregivers are never truly ready - he seems at a stage to me, based on your words, where he should now go into a full time care facility. You will feel guilt, of course that many other emotions are to be expected, but keep reminding yourself it is best for him, for you and for your precious family who are all suffering. My husband has Alzheimer's too, not in a care facilty yet, but close and I've been educating myself on the options and all the positives and the tough parts of it. I wish you the best possible ability to make good choices and lots of strengh. Anyone caregiving for a person with Alz needs both x 1000 compared to any regular problem solving most folks have to do.

March 28, 2019
A myALZteam Member

Thanks Linda!! I may ask our Internist for a new Neurologist referral!

October 3, 2018

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