Someone I know has suffered from OCD all her life [she's now 56] and recently she has featured signs of paranoia. It seems that she has transferred her obsessive fear of germs to immigrants, particularly Muslims, and to terrorists, although she's never experienced any harm from any of these groups. She's groundless about them and you can't persuade her that the bulk migrants and the bulk Muslims are just ordinary people, and no more dangerous than any other group of people.



She used to wash things compulsively to rid them of germs; now she seems to think that our country must be rid of these people. She has also persuaded herself of other things with no basis in reality, and I suspect she has a secret fantasy world.



This is a genuine question and I am not interested in reading answers about people's political or religious prejudices. Thank you.

EDITS: 1. This is NOT A POLITICAL QUESTION!! I AM NOT A RACIST!! These views really belong to this person I know - I do NOT share them!! I have very positive dealings with Muslims and migrants of all kinds.



2. She has seen a lot doctors and tried various kinds of anti-depressant medication. My point is that I think she is suffering from more than just depression.

Hi,



i am not medically trained at all but I do have mental health issues. You sound like a amazing friend and care about this friend very much. She really does need medical attention. If you could get her to go to the g.p or if you have to, call one out to the house. They will refer her to a psychiatrist as soon as possible for evaluation to observe what the problem is. It sounds like paranoia but could be schitzophrena or another mental health issue.



best of luck x

mental health problem i too have mental health troubles i believe and truly believe i look worse than the elepahnt man for me it's real take her to her gp for aid im having to have psycchology at the moment hope she be fine kathy x

I think the best thing you could do for your friend is obtain her some help.

It seems like she has ditched her OCD for paranoia. There must be an underlying reason for this change.

Good luck...x

Well it's a dangerous state of mind - I recall Nazi films comparing Jews to rats.Recognised as a mental sickness in individuals is fine - if it becomes a mass hysteria situation then we are *all* in trouble.

There is such a condition called Paranoid Personality Disorder that can become Delusional Disorder. PPD can coexist with other illnesses as well, so it's quite hard to diagnose her condition without a full assessment. I've cut and pasted the diagnostic criteria for PPD but my advice will be for her to be referred to a psychiatrist or psychotherapist for a full assessment.





Diagnostic Criteria or Symptoms:



A pervasive distrust and suspiciousness of others such that their motives are interpreted as malevolent, start by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by four (or more) of the following:



- suspects, without sufficient basis, that others are exploiting, harming, or deceiving him or her.

-is preoccupied with unjustified doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates.

-is reluctant to confide in others because of unwarranted fear that the information would be used maliciously against him or her.

-reads hidden demeaning or jeopardizing meanings into benign remarks or events.

-persistently bears grudges, i.e., is unforgiving of insults, injuries, or slights.

-perceives attacks on his or her character or reputation that are not apparent to others and is quick to respond angrily or to counterattack.

-has recurrent suspicions, without justification, regarding fidelity of spouse or sexual partner.



Her OCD also suggests that she is a compulsive obsessive personality type but it's finding out what type of co-morbidity that exists that requires a more thorough investigation.

Hi, I realise that you're explaining how your friend reacts, and that these aren't your views. Why others reading this question can't do the same, I'm not certainly - anyway ignore them and concentrate on positive answers.



Try these links to the Mind website,



Understanding OCD

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+obsessive-compulsive+disorder.htm



Understanding depression:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+depression.htm



Understanding paranoia:

http://www.mind.org.uk/Information/Booklets/Understanding/Understanding+paranoia.htm



the information is easy to read and understand, and will hopefully prove helpful to you.



Has your friend halted washing compulsively, or is she still doing that as well as the other things you mention, as this could be worth noting.



I am not medically entitled to diagnose your friend, so I suggest the best thing to do will be to observe if you could encourage her to observe her GP. Offer to go with her for support, but only go into the actual appointment, if she wants you to. Ask her to make notes of how she is feeling and what causes her the the bulk distress and what her worst fear is at the moment. The information would be very helpful to the Dr and if she is not able to put it into words then she can hand over what she has written.



Medication should be able to aid to beginning with and then other treatment can be sought depending on the evaluation by the GP, he can make the important referrals for her.



Another suggestion will be to observe if there is a mental health charity in your area:



http://www.mind.org.uk/Mind+in+your+area/



they are easy to access, it only takes a phone call, which you can make.



As well as offering support to your friend they will also be able to support and guide you in your efforts to aid her.



They are much less formal than the health services, which may suit your friend better, but they are well informed and understanding. They deal with all kinds of mental sickness on a everyday basis, so they have lots of knowledge.



Hope some of this proves to be of use to you.



Take care and wonderful luck to you both.