Hi-
I'm sorry you're having such a stressful experience. I can relate on a very real and personal level.
The good news is that your mother's symptoms are likely treatable - the bad news is that she
definitely needs to be evaluated by a doctor.
While it does sound like she may be developing symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia, this may not actually be the case. Although it's not really relevant that schizophrenia doesn't appear to run in your family, it
is relevant that you're mother is somewhat older. It's quite unusual for people to develop schizophrenia after their thirties (although it is not unheard of). Instead, your mother may be experiencing early signs of dementia, or another psychiatric disorder (some people with severe depression and/or anxiety display paranoid symptoms).
You really need to convince her to go to the doctor. The only other real alternative is to take her against her will - this is a real possibility if she refuses to be seen and if you feel she poses any sort of threat to herself. The first thing you should do is call her regular doctor and explain her symptoms to him/her. The doctor should be able to give practical advice as to whether she needs to be seen against her will.
I realize this is a very hard situation, for both you and your mother. However, rest assured that the sooner your mother receives help, the sooner she will be able to receive any necessary treatment as well.
Sincerely,
Emily
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