Genuine Anxiety And Distress Over Things That Aren't Happening.

sandyRoe | 01:23 Wed 16th Jul 2014 | Health & Fitness

31 Answers

I've looked after my sister for a few years now, at no small cost to myself. Until recently she seemed fairly happy with that situation. But just recently she'd become very distressed imagining that I've given a key to the front door of the house to a woman who's coming in and stealing her things. She's really frightened of this imaginary woman and I see now that my ability to help her has come to an end. What to do now? Her GP or a social worker?

Brown Smelly Discharge From Ears

Anticoagulant

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Mamyalynne

I would suggest her GP as a first port of call Sandy, sometimes we all need extra help when caring for someone.

I hope they listen and advise you of the best course of action.

It isn't easy is it?

Take care of yourself too, please.

woofgang

yup, GP. Sometimes this kind of problem has a medical cause that can be reversed so its always worth checking that first. You are a good brother.

Cloverjo

Yes, GP first.
Also, AgeUK are very good with help and advice.

murraymints

Sounds like onset Alzheimer's ...you first need proper diagnosis from doctor, they will do this at home if you ask...then doc will make all necessary referrals...don't take on too much Sandy..I looked after Fil full time with Alzheimer's it is like having a 6 month baby at its worst...physical needs as well as the confusion aggression violence have to be addressed....little or no sleep....extremely hard work even if, like me, you are relatively young fit and healthy....

mallyh

sometimes a bladder infection can cause anxiety etc .take care sandyRoe .

naomi24

As others have said, the GP definitely. He will organise whatever is necessary. Your story sounds very familiar. May I ask if your sister has suddenly become suspicious of reflections in mirrors and windows? Sometimes sufferers fail to recognise their own reflection and think it’s an intruder – so real to them and very distressing. The only way to try to alleviate their fear is to cover anything in which they might see their own reflection. Just a thought.

murraymints

Good point Naomi....Fil did just that ! Reacted to reflections that is !

naomi24

Awful to watch, Murray. :o(

Old_Geezer

No expert at all and may be completely wrong but from my limited personal experience your sister may be exhibiting the start of dementia. Do get her to talk to her GP.

murraymints

Indeed Naomi...especially when I had to tell him his wife had died several times a day ..he kept wanting to go out to look for her...very very sad....but he was better cared for at home than in an institution...but then I was physically able ...

naomi24

Been there - only the wife hadn't died - she was there, but because they'd moved house he didn't recognise her. He kept escaping to try to find his old house because he thought his wife was still there. He refused to get into bed with her because he thought she wasn't his wife - she was just the woman who lived in this strange house - and he hated her. He'd collect all the ornaments in bin bags shouting at her and saying she'd stolen them, and when he saw himself in the mirror he became very aggressive with the 'intruder' - shouting and swearing at 'him' - and that continued until he died - even after he went into a care home. Awful, just awful. Such a gentle man normally - and so painful to watch when there's nothing you can do. Alzheimers is one of the cruellest of diseases.

Sqad

GP first to exclude and organIc cause, e.g Pernicious Anaemia.

boxtops

..or indeed something as simple as a UTI, as has been mentioned. I've seen people very confused with an undiagnosed UTI.

murraymints

Indeed Naomi !

lady-janine

agree with what the others have said definitely the gp as first course of action I should think. please let us know how you get on. it may help to share your thoughts and worries. but obviously not if you don't want to.

pixie373

Hi sandy, i agree with the others. GP first to rule out urine infections and other temporary, treatable conditions. They can treat the anxiety too- no matter what the cause. If you feel you need some support anyway, then ring Social Services. Best wishes xx