What should be done if an elderly person has delusions?

Apr 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhu Gang
Introduction
Elderly patients with delusional disorders can be alleviated through general care, psychological therapy, and medication. Ensuring adequate sleep and creating a favorable sleep environment are important, and family members should provide increased care and support. Patients should cooperate with professional psychologists for psychotherapy to correct irrational beliefs, improve maladaptive cognition, and gain a thorough understanding of their condition and personal issues. Antipsychotic medications can be used to control symptoms; commonly prescribed drugs include olanzapine tablets, risperidone tablets, and quetiapine fumarate tablets.

Fantasy disorders in the elderly can be alleviated through general management, psychotherapy, and medication. Specific approaches are as follows:

1. General Management

It is recommended to ensure adequate sleep and create a favorable sleeping environment, which helps stabilize the patient's emotions. In daily life, family members should provide more care and avoid indifferent or aggressive attitudes, as this supports disease treatment and recovery.

2. Psychotherapy

Patients are advised to undergo psychotherapy with a professional psychologist, such as psychoanalysis or cognitive behavioral therapy. These therapies help analyze the patient's psychological defense mechanisms, correct irrational thinking patterns, and enable patients to fully understand their condition and recognize personal issues, thereby improving symptoms.

3. Medication

Under medical supervision, antipsychotic medications may be prescribed to control delusional or fantasy symptoms. Commonly used drugs include olanzapine tablets, risperidone tablets, and quetiapine fumarate tablets, which help alleviate symptoms.

During treatment, increased vigilance is necessary to prevent the patient from harming themselves or others.