How to manage an individual who is possessive?

Question

Hello doctor,

I want to share my aunt case and seek advice regarding this case. My aunt is about 54 years old, and her husband is around 63 years old. After the death of my aunt's father, a behavioral change occurred in my aunt. She started to blame her husband and try to make her husband stay away from all young girls. She got extra possessive about her husband. She blamed three to four girls and stopped them to come close to her husband even she blamed her daughter in law to stay away from her husband. We do not know why she is doing this? She always thinks that all girls and aunties trying to get interact and come close to her husband. Please advice.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

She should consult a psychiatrist. The symptoms like possessiveness, ideas, or even delusional beliefs about the fidelity of husband, blaming husband, etc. cannot be ignored. She might be suffering from some mood disorder most likely depression with psychotic symptoms. This could be some psychosis too. Individuals with psychosis show paranoid delusions, delusional beliefs, and become suspicious. Considering her age and late onset, the chances of depression with psychosis are more. She might refuse to visit a psychiatrist and will try to evade the visit. Drugs like Olanzapine or Quetiapine can be used to reduce her psychotic symptoms, and she will come out of depression. Thank you.