What should be done if an elderly person has delusions?
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.