QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
My husband, who I always thought was just hooked on a bottle of beer has two different personalities which cause a lot of problems for the family. Just recently he exploded over a question which was meant to bring him some joy and fun, but instead he attached everything around him which was meant to be a "no" to the question. Then within a short period of time he was sweet and wonderful, and he wanted to do what was asked of him earlier, like he had just thought of it. The whole day want on like that. It made me feel like I had to walk on egg shells not knowing which way he was going to go with his moods. He has been slowly getting like this over a period of the last 5 years, but in the last year he has become increasing worse. He does have high blood pressure and feels like he is always responsible for everything around him, and can't trust anyone at all. If he loses something, he immediately thinks that someone stole it, not perhaps he didn't put it back where it belongs. I am, however, always at fault for everything. Granted, a wife can cause some things to be difficult, but not all the time.
I was wondering if I should make mention to his doctor of his problems, and perhaps he can suggest something for him besides High Blood Pressure medicine. My husband also has great difficulty remembering conversations that he has had. For a long time he use to tell me that I was nuts, because he claimed he didn't say whatever I was trying to repeat to him. However, over the last few months my daughters have been able to back me up with our conversations. So now he has to realize he does have these conversations that he can't remember having.
He is only 58 and I am 48. I could really use some help before I throw my hands up in the air and give up on him. Please let me know if these kinds of character changes are Split Personality or some other medical problem.
ANSWER:
If this has just been going on recently and not his whole life it's most likely a
medical problem. You are describing a significant change in personality.
He needs a brain scan and extensive labs - including a thyroid profile and B12 level. A
neurologist and psychiatrist should be consulted as well.
