Would like to congradulate you on this site.
I have problem with my sister. A couple of months ago she started having some touch hallucinations. She had the great idea to visit a Medium who did his best to convince her that she was haunted by bad spirits and she was treated superstitiously. Of course without getting any results she then approached a Sheikh who confirmed to her and her husband the fact and now they are both convinced of this. I beleive that there must be some organic or psychological disorder with her but I am not able to convince them to see a Psychiatrist. Could u please explain what this could be and what is the right way to approach this couple as their situation might lead too far .
Dear Friend
Thanks for sending us email .
Tactile hallucinations are more related to the organic or physiologic disease than to the pure psychological situations . They may be due to Epilepsy or some other neurological diseases or abusing some drugs .Only after exclusion of those conditions we can think about the psychiatric problems .Regarding what you wrote ,it seems that her husband is going to have some kind of induced psychosis .
Convincing them to have a consultation might be very hard .I think if you find even the smallest physiological abnormality ,and encouraging her to visit a neurologist or even a general practitioner without emphasizing on psychiatric issues , you would help her or them to be visited professionally .The excuses can be some small complaints ,like dizziness ,vertigo ,feeling tired ,palpitation ,headache ....That I am sure she is suffering them somehow .
Thanks
Dr Haleh
Specialist Psychiatrist
haleh66@gmail .com