My mom is extremely depressed and angry. How to deal with her?

Question

Hi doctor,

My mom is extremely depressed and showing anger towards my dad with the wrong assumptions. She is not at all listening to our words. Whenever we advise on this, she is showing abnormal anger, which is unusual. I tried to take her to a psychiatrist, but she is not ready to come. She had the same issue four years ago as well and was rectified after consulting with a psychiatrist. Can you please suggest or guide me to deal this?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, we need to establish whether she is really suffering from depression or any other mental illness. It is quite common to label all mental illnesses as depression. We diagnose a person as a patient of depression if the following symptoms are present most of the time for over two weeks. Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, persistent sadness, low energy and fatigue, disturbed sleep, or ideas of hopelessness, helplessness, and worthlessness. But, the way you have described the symptoms, it appears that she might be suffering from some psychotic illness. In such cases, the patient develops irrational and illogical beliefs, becomes suspicious and fearful towards family members, and is often agitated. If such patients refuse to go to a psychiatrist, then covert medication in the form of dispersal tablets or liquids can be given. Antipsychotic drugs like Olanzapine are available in dissolving and dispersal forms. You can consult a specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and take the medicine with consent.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Antidepressant or antipsychotic medication should only be taken under the direct supervision of a psychiatrist. They are not available without a valid prescription. Medicine that we use in psychotic patients includes Risperidone, Olanzapine, Aripiprazole, etc.

Thank you.