Rapid Onset Delirium/Delusions

A distant relative has apparently become increasingly delusional over the past few weeks.  At this point, he's constantly seeing people 'invading' his house....very large people with big, flat heads about the size of a large pizza...  He's also getting increasingly confused and upset about not being able to remember things.  His kids have taken away his guns and knives (at least I hope they got all of them) out of concern that he would either hurt himself or someone else.  At this point, he's afraid to stay in his house because of the 'invaders' and one of his sons has moved him in with his family for the time being.  His kids have made an appointment for him at the VA hospital in northern Utah, but it's not right away.  His DIL is convinced that it's mold in his house that is making him ill, but while it's a possibility I'd be more concerned about a possible physical cause (brain tumor, metabolic disorder, etc.)  I suppose if he improves at his son's house that it's probably indicative of an environmental cause.

Anyway....any of you in the medical or mental health fields have any advice for his family while they wait for his appointment? 

Modified to add - he was at our house on the 4th of July and seemed fine at that time.  None of us noticed any discernable changes in mental state at that time, although of course we have no idea how long he's been having these issues.  Things just seem to have really escalated in the past 4-6 weeks....

Hmm not sure I am the best one to offer advice, I work in the health care field with people with developmental disabilities and in Human Relations. But I think a trip to a general physician is in order right away, I wouldn't hold off finding anything out until his regular appointment. Seems to be too much going on to wait. Can they get him in now and then still keep the other appointment at the VA for further follow-up? I am just afraid what if he gets worse in the meantime?

Hmm not sure I am the best one to offer advice, I work in the health care field with people with developmental disabilities and in Human Relations. But I think a trip to a general physician is in order right away, I wouldn't hold off finding anything out until his regular appointment. Seems to be too much going on to wait. Can they get him in now and then still keep the other appointment at the VA for further follow-up? I am just afraid what if he gets worse in the meantime?

That's my concern as well.  From what I hear, he is REALLY out of it, and really afraid of these 'invaders', whatever form they take.  The son that he's staying with is a game warden, so I know there are guns in the house.  Even if he doesn't have access to any other weapons, he's got a really hefty walking stick that he carries constantly...  I'm trying to 'encourage' his family to take him to the doctor TOMORROW....but don't know that they'll listen to me. 

Keep trying! Try to convince them to get in contact with a healthcare professional, maybe a call to an emergency room nurse to give them advice now! Maybe they will listen better to someone outside the family. I just think it's a very serious issue that they shouldn't hold off to find out what may happen. Best of luck to you and your family

A distant relative has apparently become increasingly delusional over the past few weeks.  At this point, he's constantly seeing people 'invading' his house....very large people with big, flat heads about the size of a large pizza...

How old is he, c-h? My aunt was going through similar things, but she's quite elderly. Last year when she was living in her own home, she kept telling us that "Germans" were coming into her house and sleeping in her bed. She actually slept on the floor because she thought they were using her bed. And the "German children" were playing with their toys and keeping her awake all the time. It turned out that she was mixing up her meds, which affected her mind -- in addition to the fact that she's quite old and is starting to get senile. She's now in a nursing home and is slightly better mentally. She still forgets things, but there are no delusions -- because her meds are being controlled by the staff.

Is this something that could be happening to your relative?

This man needs to get to his nearest ER right away.  Something like this could have many causes.  He could have a mental illness or a physical problem  that is causing confusion/hallucinations.  Its really hard to tell what is happening without seeing him.   

Is he just hallucinating or is he also confused/disoriented and or forgetful?   Does he have any kind of history of these kinds of episodes?  Any chronic illnesses?  I wouldn't dream of playing diagnostician online anyway, but I think he just needs an urgent trip to the ER, probably via ambulance.  This isn't something that you sit on for a few days and hope it resolves.

I completely agree about going to the ER.

Not to be alarmist, but the landlord at our local became quite suddenly delusional and they took him to casualty, he was admitted immediately and it turned out he had a brain tumour. It could be so many things - schizophrenia can have a later in life onset (most common in ones 20s) or it could just be a funny reaction to medications or something. Don't mess with stuff like this - he should be seen now.

Yes - he ought to go directly to the ER...anyone who is exhibiting severe mental issues ought to be seen immediately both for their own health as well as others.  (I'm a therapist so I've had to do it myself)  They need to call ahead, let them know that you are bringing a potentially psychiatric patient and to have the psychiatric person around...

I have begged, pleaded, and cajoled.  I think health insurance is the issue, as his kids are determined that he go to the VA hospital instead of the local hospital.  I believe he's being seen in two days. 

He is older (70's, I think?)  The 'invaders' have followed him to his son's house, so my guess is that it's not anything environmental.  Apparently he 'knows' that the invaders don't actually exist, but when he sees them he's terrified anyway.  He is also becoming increasingly confused and more easily disoriented.  I am not in a position to be able to do anything, as he's only a distant relative by marriage.  I hope they can get to the root of it when he goes to the VA hospital this week....

Thanks for the update! I was wondering how things are going. I guess if they are getting him in to the VA in a few days, not much else you can do. Good to hear he has an appointment soon though, hope the doctor's can get to the bottom of his problems quickly.