A friend of mine just lost it

Specialties Psychiatric

Published

Specializes in Forensic Psychiatric Nursing.

He called me twice yesterday. The first time, he sounded OK if a little off. A couple hours later, he called back, and this time he sounded like he was in full meltdown. He said the government, a bunch of ex-military guys, the Filipinos, and the Freemasons were following him around.

He's had a recent felony conviction for possession of coke, so I was guessing he was doing a lot of coke or crystal and has become paranoid. Then he asked me who was in the room with me that's laughing. Nobody was in the room with me. I told him it might have been the fan.

Auditory hallucinations, delusions of persecution, etc. A bunch of times he would stop in the middle of a sentence and laugh, and say, See what I mean? Very strange.

He also said he'd been calling a bunch of people to see if anyone could help him out with this situation but nobody wants to help him. He went on to say that everybody had asked him if he was doing a lot of coke or whether this could be delusional.

I don't think this guy's a danger to himself or anyone else. He's not prone to violence. But I think something is pretty wrong with him.

He says he's more convinced of the truth of the plots against him than he is of anything else.

Any suggestions?

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How old is your friend? Do you know if there is any family history of mental illness??

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Specializes in Forensic Psychiatric Nursing.
How old is your friend? Do you know if there is any family history of mental illness??

Mid to late 20s, and I don't know much about his family history.

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Specializes in SICU.

Your friend needs to be seen for a psych consult. 20's is the typical age that schizophrenia occurs.

His paranoia could be temporary or it could be permanent.

Last thing you say he's not prone to violence. Well he's not prone to violence as a rational person, you don't know just how violent he could be, if he believes someone is trying to kill him and he feels cornered. Stay safe.

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Specializes in Medical and general practice now LTC.

This is really something we at AN can not advise, your friend really needs to contact his PCP. I hope he gets sorted soon

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