How to guide the family members of paranoid victims

Family members with paranoid ideation can guide patients through listening and empathy, avoiding arguments, guiding medical treatment, building trust, and diverting attention. Paranoia is a spectrum disorder of schizophrenia, and patients often believe without reason that they have been persecuted by others. Family members need to be patient and cooperate with professional treatment.

1. Listen and empathize

Accept the patient's fear emotions with a calm attitude, and express empathy with phrases such as "I understand that you are very uneasy now". To avoid denying its delusional content, you can respond with 'This matter has made you so worried, let's find a solution together'. Record the specific details of the harm mentioned by the patient to provide reference for the doctor's diagnosis.

2. Avoid Controversy

When patients describe delusions such as being monitored or poisoned, directly refuting them may exacerbate their defensive psychology. A neutral response can be taken, such as' This situation is indeed making people nervous, should we take a drink of water to rest first? '. Relieve patient anxiety by reducing environmental stimuli such as closing curtains and dimming lights.

3. Guide medical treatment

Accompany patients to the psychiatric department for medical examination, emphasizing non sensitive reasons such as "sleep problems during examination" in the initial stage. Communicate when the patient's emotions are stable and explain that 'the doctor may have a way to make you less tired'. Communicate the patient's symptom characteristics with the doctor in advance to facilitate the adoption of appropriate consultation methods.

4. Establish trust

Maintain regular visits or conversations, and enhance a sense of security through small actions such as delivering the patient's favorite food. Collaborate with patients to complete simple household chores or manual activities, and rebuild intimate relationships in non delusional areas. Be careful not to actively mention topics that may trigger delusions, such as property and interpersonal relationships.

5. Shifting Attention

When a patient falls into delusions, they can interrupt their thought process with things that interest them, such as "How have your flowers bloomed recently. Play soothing music or watch relaxing movies and TV shows together to help relieve tension. Regular low-intensity exercise such as walking can promote dopamine secretion and improve mood.

Family members should regularly attend psychological education courses to learn desensitization techniques for coping with delusional attacks. Maintain a regular schedule and reasonable diet, take care of patients while paying attention to emotional counseling. It can record the cycle of patient symptom changes and carry detailed observation records when seeking medical treatment. During long-term companionship, pay attention to protecting the patient's privacy and avoid discussing their condition in social settings. Establish a support network that includes doctors and psychological counselors, and seek community mental health service intervention when necessary.