[18F] Experiencing auditory hallucinations, paranoia, anger, and severe mood disturbances

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female reports experiencing auditory hallucinations, including whispering, muttering, and screaming, for a couple of weeks. She describes a long-standing sense of paranoia and recent episodes of random explosive anger. For the past 3 months, she has been feeling a strong sense of dread and sadness, akin to the loss of a loved one, accompanied by chest pain rated 7-8 on the pain scale. She also reports episodes of dissociation, characterized by memory lapses and blackouts, which have been increasing in frequency over the past few weeks. Suicidal thoughts have also been present. The patient notes that these feelings of dread and sadness occur suddenly and without identifiable triggers, often at times that do not make sense, such as in the middle of the night.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing a range of symptoms that could be related to the following conditions:

  • Major Depressive Disorder: This is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and a range of physical symptoms. It's not uncommon for people with depression to experience feelings of dread, sadness, and suicidal thoughts.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

  • Panic Disorder: This is a type of anxiety disorder characterized by recurring, unexpected panic attacks. Panic attacks can cause feelings of impending doom, chest pain, and a fear of losing control or dying.

    • Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, medication, or both.

  • Dissociative Disorder: This is a mental health disorder that involves experiencing a disconnection between thoughts, memories, surroundings, actions, and identity. Dissociative disorders can cause memory loss or blackouts.

    • Treatment typically involves psychotherapy, although medication can be used to treat any accompanying disorders, such as depression or anxiety.

  • Psychotic Disorders: These are serious mental health conditions that cause people to lose touch with reality. They can cause hallucinations, delusions, and disordered thinking. The hallucinations you're experiencing could be a symptom of a psychotic disorder.

    • Treatment usually involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy.

Please remember that this is not a definitive diagnosis. Only a healthcare professional can provide a formal diagnosis after a thorough evaluation.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, especially your suicidal thoughts, it's important to reach out to a healthcare professional as soon as possible. If you're in immediate danger of self-harm, call your local emergency number.

  2. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member: Let them know what you're going through so they can provide support.

  3. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs: These substances can worsen your symptoms and make them more difficult to treat.

What you should look out for

  • An increase in the severity of your symptoms
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Difficulty performing daily activities
  • Symptoms that interfere with your work, school, or relationships

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask

What are auditory hallucinations and what might cause them?

Auditory hallucinations involve hearing sounds, such as voices or noises, that are not present. They can be caused by various conditions, including psychotic disorders, severe depression, or substance use. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying condition with medication and therapy.

How can someone manage feelings of paranoia and explosive anger?

Feelings of paranoia and explosive anger can be symptoms of underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders or mood disorders. Management often includes therapy to develop coping strategies, and medication may be prescribed to help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety.

What are dissociative episodes and how are they treated?

Dissociative episodes involve a disconnection from reality, which can include memory lapses or feeling detached from oneself. They are often treated with psychotherapy, which helps individuals process trauma and develop coping mechanisms. Medication may be used to treat co-occurring conditions like depression or anxiety.

What should someone do if they are experiencing suicidal thoughts?

If someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to seek immediate help from a healthcare professional or contact emergency services. Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member for support and avoiding substances that can worsen symptoms are also important steps.

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