Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Is Talking In The Ear Without A Real Person Sign Of Mental Illness?
My 82 year old mother has begun to hear a man talking to her. She first thought she was hearing this from a nearby apartment complex, but soon realized it was in her head. She is aware that this is not a real person, but it is bothering her greatly. She plans to see her physician next week. She has never shown signs of mental illness
Tue, 27 May 2014
Hi,
I went through your query and can understand your concern regarding your mother's symptoms.
Hearing of voices without anyone around is a symptoms termed as auditory hallucination. Auditory hallucinations are suggestive of some underlying psychiatric condition. At the age of your mother, it will vital to rule out any organic brain disorder.
Assessment of her memory functions will be required as such symptoms can also occur as part of dementia. A brain scanning would be needed to rule out any brain lesion. I would suggest you seek a psychiatric consultation for her for detailed evaluation.
If any underlying cause is detected, it has to be treated accordingly. In addition, treatment with anti-psychotic medications like quetiapine will be required. In the absence of any underlying condition, treatment with only anti-psychotic medications would be required. Considering the age of your mother, it is important to start the drug at a very low dose (25-50 mg/day) and gradually increase it to avoid any adverse event. You can discuss regarding the same with your psychiatrist.
Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.
I went through your query and can understand your concern regarding your mother's symptoms.
Hearing of voices without anyone around is a symptoms termed as auditory hallucination. Auditory hallucinations are suggestive of some underlying psychiatric condition. At the age of your mother, it will vital to rule out any organic brain disorder.
Assessment of her memory functions will be required as such symptoms can also occur as part of dementia. A brain scanning would be needed to rule out any brain lesion. I would suggest you seek a psychiatric consultation for her for detailed evaluation.
If any underlying cause is detected, it has to be treated accordingly. In addition, treatment with anti-psychotic medications like quetiapine will be required. In the absence of any underlying condition, treatment with only anti-psychotic medications would be required. Considering the age of your mother, it is important to start the drug at a very low dose (25-50 mg/day) and gradually increase it to avoid any adverse event. You can discuss regarding the same with your psychiatrist.
Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....