Helping a person who is paranoid
Helping a person who is paranoid
It is usually apparent when someone is paranoid. The person may accuse others of trying to harm him or her or may constantly scan the surroundings. The person may talk about protecting him- or herself from attack.
Here are ways to help the person who is paranoid:
- Don't argue. Ask specific questions about the person's fears, and clear up any misconceptions if the person is receptive to listening to you. Use simple directions, if needed. For example, say, “Put the knife down. No one here wants to harm you.”
- Give the person enough personal space so that he or she does not feel trapped or surrounded. Remain with the person but at a distance that is comfortable for him or her.
- Call for help if you think you, others, or the person is in danger.
- Move the person away from the feared situation or from noise and activity, if possible. Ask the person to tell you what is causing the fear. Make a direct statement that you are not afraid.
- Focus the person on what is real, rather than his or her fear. Make reassuring statements, such as “I know you think that the FBI is out to get you, but nobody here is from the FBI.”
- Tell the person everything you are going to do before you do it.
- Remind the person that paranoia is a symptom of illness and will be reduced when the medications take effect. Offer medications that are prescribed by his or her health professional, if indicated.
The following are some practical steps you can take to try to avoid situations in which a person with schizophrenia may become paranoid:
- Help the person avoid the objects he or she fears. For example, if the person is afraid of dogs, avoid situations where dogs are present.
- Keep lights turned on to help reduce misinterpretations of objects in the surroundings.
- Talk about the person's fears when he or she is not paranoid and make a plan for handling the fears when they occur.
- Make a list of the person's fears. At the end, write: "These things are not going to hurt me. These fears are symptoms of my illness. They will go away if I seek help.”
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Last Updated | February 5, 2008 |
| Last updated: | February 05, 2008 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Jeannette Curtis |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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