Could this behavior be the result of a mental problem?

Question

Mother has diabetes...purposelly eats WAY too much sugar when she starts to sweat or passes out complains that she could've died and none of her children helped her."Forgets"to take her meds after too much sugar again and has Grand maul(sp?)seizure.Goes on about it to everyone like it justs "happened"................Has behaved this way before being diagnosed with diabetes(purposely not treating/abusing herself when ill).Could this be an offset of a mental problem?What can be done?

Answer 1

Sounds to me almost like she wants to be the center of attention and can't live without something wrong in her life. I know a lot of people who put stuff like that on themselves and then try to play it off. They are just sick..and need help. But then again. She probably won't get help...because if she cures herself of this. She won't have anything to complain about. So it's kind of a Lose, Lose situation. Good luck on that one.

Answer 2

First of all this is extremely dangerous and abusive to herself and mainly to her children. She definately has a mental problem. It is an attention getter, and goes deeper than that.

I have a sister who is a hypochondriac and does the same thing.
The good old guilt trip. She needs to be confronted point blank and told that she will die and it will not matter that her children were there to help or not.

I would say Mom, what could we do when you die because you chose to eat what is not healthy, and not only do you hurt yourself, it is extremely selfish to treat your children that way and put them in that position. Have enough respect for your children and realize what you are doing to them and stop thinking about yourself.

That is a very serious situation. I am hypoglycemic, and there just might come a time when it might not turn out to her advantage like she thinks. So, start talking about what's really bothering you and deal with that and quit the guilt tripping and putting such pain and strain on your children and grandchildren if so and/or husband. That is ridiculous and no excuse for that behavior.

I am also a nurse, and that puts an extreme amount of stress on the adrenal glands to the point of they don't produce anymore and you never know when or how brittle you can become if you do not regulate diet. One little change can take you in a matter of minutes and time might not turn it around quick enough, I have seen it.

However, if you are around and this happens (do not tell her) you can buy instant glucose tablets if she is conscious and they also have this stuff you can rub on their gums. Either way, good luck.

You need it!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

I think so, it sounds like she has some degree of depression and also is seeking more attention. But her state of mind is definately altered is she is abusing herself. If it was my Mother, I would get mental help for her right away. God Bless you and I hope you get the help you need. People don;t realize what they are doing to the people that love them when they abuse themselves. My heart goes out to you. She is also lucky Mom to have a caring family, and especially you for taking the time to help her.

Answer 4

Passive-agressive personality disorder: it's recently been taken out of the DSM but I understand it will soon be re-introduced. These people lie ALOT, they are very defensive, perpetually in a foul mood, always blaming others, highly manipulative, obstructionist, they 'forget' to do things ON PURPOSE, they are jealous of others, spread gossip, are scornful of authority figures, argumentative, they always feel victimised, misunderstood...there is alot more but so far I think if 'the shoe fits...', and this just may be the best-fitting shoe for mother:

"PASSIVE-AGGRESSIVE PERSONALITY DISORDER

People with PAPD are characterized by covert obstructionism, procrastination, stubbornness, and inefficiency. Such behavior is a manifestation of passively expressed underlying aggression. In the DSM-IV the disorder is also called negativistic PD.

CLINICAL FEATURES

PAPD patients characteristically procrastinate, resist demands for adequate performance, find excuses for delays, and find fault with those on whom they depend; yet they refuse to extricate themselves from the dependent relationships. They usually lack assertiveness and are not direct about their own needs and wishes. They fail to ask needed questions about what is expected of them and may become anxious when forced to succeed or when their usual defense of turning anger against themselves is removed.

In interpersonal relationships, these people attempt to manipulate themselves into a position of dependence, but others often experience this passive, self-detrimental behavior as punitive and munipulative. People with this disorder expect others to do their errands and to carry out their routine responsibilities. Friends and clinicians may become enmeshed in trying to assuage the patients' many claims of unjust treatment. The close relationships of people with PAPD, however, are rarely tranquil or happy. Because they are bound to their resentment more closely than to their satisfaction, they may never even formulate goals for finding enjoyment in life. People with this disorder lack self-confidence and are typically pessimistic about the future."

There is alot more on the net. Specifically ,look at how the disorder is described in the DSM - America's 'bible' of psychiatric disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association).

Answer 5

No, I don't think she has mental problem. I think she wants more attention and care. I guess she is using her diabetes as an excuse to get someone care, in particular the care of her children. She wants to feel loved.

Answer 6

Yeah, it's definitely a psychological problem. Could be Munchhausen Syndrome, or hypochondria. Start by asking her endocrinologist about it. S/he will know what resources to use locally.

I know it's difficult. Good luck.

Answer 7

typical. just ignore. live and let die.