31st January 2024

A 52-year-old woman in a care home was referred to psychiatric services due to concerns regarding change in her behaviour

A 52-year-old woman in a care home was referred to psychiatric services due to concerns regarding change in her behaviour and development of paranoia against care home staff. She accused care staff of poisoning her with medication, which led to her refusing all her physical health medications and assistance with other care needs. She was seen to be responding to unseen stimuli and reported that there were lasers burning her from the ceiling spotlights in her room. She was noted to be flatter in affect and less social with the other care home residents and staff. She has no past psychiatric history, and these symptoms appear to have developed rapidly over the course of a few weeks. She was reviewed by her GP, who ruled out delirium due to infection. She has a known diagnosis of HIV. What is the most appropriate action to take from the options below?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.