Memory & behavior
Hallucinations or paranoia: what helps, what to avoid
Hallucinations and paranoia can be frightening for everyone. This page focuses on safety, de-escalation, and when to involve clinicians.
Quick checklist
- Stay calm; argue less. Validate feelings, not facts.
- Check for triggers (dark rooms, noise, TV, new meds).
- If danger risk is present, call for help.
- New hallucinations can be medical—consider urgent evaluation.
What to say
- “That sounds scary. I’m here with you.”
- “Let’s go to a brighter room.”
- “Tell me what you’re worried about.”
Do not do
- Don’t insist they’re wrong or “making it up.”
- Don’t escalate by debating details.
- Don’t ignore new or sudden symptoms.