Hi Rebecca,

Paranoia is not necessarily a sign of schizophrenia and before you even get to that point there are a number of other things to be ruled out. A doctor would first want to rule out that your family member is physically ill as some illnesses can mimic psychiatric conditions. 

Are you certain that your family member is hearing voices? Sometimes when people are very upset they 'rehearse' situations aloud and play out different scenario's in this way. If there are no signs of thought disorder or any of the other things you might normally associate with schizophrenia you may find that what you are seeing is a form  of stress reaction. This is just idle speculation on my part but I'm just suggesting there are a number of other possible reasons for why your family member is the way she is.

In times of high emotion rationality often goes out of the window. Given the fact that your family member seems fine with other people might it be worth spending time trying to uncover why it is she feels the way she does about her husband?

Hello Rebecca,

I agree with Jerry that your family member may be under stress that is manifesting itself in paranoia.  You'll not find out unless she speaks with a professional who is in the best position to determine this.  Feel her out.  Is she willing to talk with a therapist or social worker?  Perhaps you could offer to drive her there.

The best way to frame it is to suggest that you're concerned without stating that you believe the family member is sick or has schizophrenia or a mental illness.  At this point, you just want to put her mind at ease.

Best,

Chri