[18M] Experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and various physical symptoms

Patient Description

An 18-year-old male reports experiencing delusions, hallucinations, and intrusive thoughts for approximately 2 weeks. The patient sees shadows moving out of the corner of his eye, faces morphing, and experiences the room spinning. The delusions are described as persistent false beliefs, despite reassurance from others. The patient also experiences tachycardia, particularly at night, with a heart rate of 135 bpm after exertion. Additionally, the patient reports episodes of fever localized to the arms, facial flushing, and ringing in the ears, which occur after taking Adderall, a medication that the patient admits to abusing. The patient also mentions excessive sweating, erectile dysfunction, and an inability to ejaculate, which have been present for the same duration. The patient has had intrusive thoughts for a longer period, which cause significant anxiety. No thoughts of self-harm or harm to others are currently present, but they have occurred in the past. No recreational drug use other than the prescribed Adderall has been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Substance Use Disorder: The misuse of Adderall, a stimulant medication, can lead to a variety of symptoms including tachycardia (rapid heart rate), sweating, weight loss, and erectile dysfunction. It can also cause psychological symptoms such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.

    • Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, counseling, and support groups. It's important to seek help from a healthcare professional to manage this condition.
  • Psychotic Disorder: This is characterized by symptoms like hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there), delusions (believing things that aren't true), and intrusive thoughts. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression.

    • Treatment often involves medication and therapy. It's important to consult with a mental health professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
  • Tinnitus: This is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. It's a common problem that can occur as a side effect of certain medications, including stimulants like Adderall.

    • Treatment can involve addressing the underlying cause, such as reducing or stopping your intake of the medication causing the problem. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication regimen.

What you can do

  1. Reach out to a healthcare professional: Given the severity and variety of your symptoms, it's important to seek help from a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

  2. Seek help for substance misuse: If you're misusing Adderall, consider reaching out to a substance abuse counselor or support group. They can provide resources and strategies to help you manage your substance use.

  3. Practice good self-care: Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and ensuring you get enough sleep. This can help improve your overall health and well-being.

What you should look out for

  • Worsening of symptoms: If your symptoms become more severe or frequent, seek medical attention immediately. This includes increased heart rate, more severe hallucinations or delusions, or new symptoms.

  • Suicidal thoughts: If you have thoughts of harming yourself, reach out to a mental health professional immediately. You can also call a suicide hotline for immediate help.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are the potential side effects of Adderall misuse?

Adderall misuse can lead to side effects such as tachycardia, sweating, weight loss, erectile dysfunction, paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions. It is important to seek medical advice if experiencing these symptoms.


How can substance use disorder be treated?

Substance use disorder can be treated with a combination of medication, counseling, and support groups. It's crucial to seek help from healthcare professionals to manage the condition effectively.


What are the symptoms of a psychotic disorder?

Symptoms of a psychotic disorder include hallucinations, delusions, and intrusive thoughts. These can be associated with conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression. Treatment typically involves medication and therapy.


What is tinnitus and how can it be managed?

Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears, often as a side effect of medications like stimulants. Management involves addressing the underlying cause, such as adjusting medication intake, and consulting with a healthcare professional.


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