How To Overcome Unknown Fear?

Posted on Thu, 26 Dec 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 26 Dec 2013 Answered on

Thu, 16 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, A family member is paranoid, isolated cut off any family relation. He thought that "a mafia in work place" chasing him. It is chronic, for years up an down, but it is in its worse shape recently. He takes picture from pedestrian who he thinks that they are part of Mafia. Is it legally doable to force him to be admitted. He never threatened anybody.

Answered by Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Can be admitted after psychiatry consultation Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in to us. A careful assessment has to be made of the problems your close family member is going through. The focus is on treatment and not merely admission of patient to a psychiatry hospital. It is important that you consult a qualified psychiatrist and have your family member clinically examined in detail. This also requires in depth questioning about the onset, duration and various treatments that have been received from time to time. Self harm or threat to others is not the only criteria for admission and under mental health acts a patient may be admitted and treated for psychiatry problems under many conditions which are in the interest of the patient. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Dr.A.Rao Kavoor

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (15 minutes later)

He is not willing and refuses to see a psychiatrist and I am a MD, he is an MD, I wanted to know that If I have to seek a legal action?

Answered by Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Please find detailed answer below Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing in with an update. Current U.S. laws make it very difficult to get help for someone who actively refuses it - someone may be actively psychotic and in desperate straits, but still not considered a serious-enough threat to themselves or others to merit involuntary hospitalization. The best course of action depends on the type and severity of symptoms. If the symptoms are worrisome but not absolutely harmful yet, try locating a mental health professional or a social worker who is familiar with dealing with psychiatric disorders. They can discuss your relative's behavior with you, and brainstorm the best way to get him/her help. Options will vary from state to state, based on state law. Contact a local National Allaiance on Mental Illness XXXXXXX chapter or call their helpline (1-800-950-NAMI) to look up resources in your area. Please use the following link for further details: WWW.WWWW.WW Alternatively you may refer to the State laws in Kansas on the treatment of people with possible mental illness. Please refer to the link below WWW.WWWW.WW Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Dr.A.Rao Kavoor

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar