Q:  A few question, my spouse has been diagnosed with a mood disorder. this past year. My spouse has also been thinking that any and everybody  have been believing rumors about my spouse (which is not the case) So much so that my spouse belives the family somehow is believing these rumors and treating my spouse according to the rumors.  Is this behavior psychosis or delusions? And can persons suffering from mood disorders have these symptoms?

Also, a close family member of my spouse has ADHD, is this also a confirmation my spouse has a mood disorder?


To Whom It May Concern:

     Technically, these thoughts your spouse are experiencing are known as "paranoid delusions".  They can be managed most likely via medication and I would strongly suggest that you encourage your spouse to get back to the doctors as soon as possible to report this so that he can be properly treated.  It is not unusual for someone with a mood disorder to experience these types of symptoms particularly under stress.  A close family member of your spouse with ADHD may or may not be associated with the fact that your spouse has a mood disorder.  Thank you for your questions and good luck.


David Schafer, M.Ed.
Staff Psychologist


Published July, 2006