What should you do for a patient with a mental illness who states she is hearing voices?

In responding to a patient who expresses auditory hallucinations, it is crucial to prioritize their safety and provide appropriate care. Engaging the patient in conversation about their experience can help establish rapport and can be critical in assessing their mental health needs. Telling her she should not be hearing voices is a way to acknowledge that what she is experiencing is significant and not normal, reinforcing the understanding that these experiences require attention.

It is important to address such statements with empathy and support. By acknowledging the voices she hears as part of her current experience, it gives you an opportunity to further assess her mental state and evaluate the risk she may pose to herself or others. Additionally, providing reassurance that she is in a safe environment can help in managing her distress. Depending on the severity of her condition and the specific symptoms presented, referring her for an evaluation by a psychiatrist may be necessary, but it is not typically an immediate action required in this scenario.

Encouraging her to embrace the voices may inadvertently validate and reinforce her delusions, which is not beneficial. Ignoring her statement would dismiss her feelings, potentially leaving her feeling unheard and isolated. Thus, effective communication remains essential in such encounters to ensure the patient's well-being.