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Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety In An Elderly Person

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Posted on Mon, 20 Nov 2017
Question: Mother has extreme anxiety, cannot sleep, cannot eat, mind races very paranoid, sudden speech impediment, 89 years old, missed a day of meds....what are the likely causes? It it an emergency?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
I think yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns.

From the available description there is good possibility that your mother suffers with delirium which is a condition characterised by sleep disturbance, perceptual disturbance (often visual hallucinations), inattention and fearfulness and change in mental status.

The points in favour include sudden onset,
Severe paranoia,
Sleep disturbance,
Speech impediment,
and most importantly old age and withdrawal of medications.

Although the cause for delirium on this day could be drug withdrawal but the possibility of other problems at the same time can not be ruled out and visiting emergency is recommended.

I hope this answers you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3351 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Anxiety In An Elderly Person

Brief Answer: I think yes Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. From the available description there is good possibility that your mother suffers with delirium which is a condition characterised by sleep disturbance, perceptual disturbance (often visual hallucinations), inattention and fearfulness and change in mental status. The points in favour include sudden onset, Severe paranoia, Sleep disturbance, Speech impediment, and most importantly old age and withdrawal of medications. Although the cause for delirium on this day could be drug withdrawal but the possibility of other problems at the same time can not be ruled out and visiting emergency is recommended. I hope this answers you. Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions. Thanks and regards.