Help for a friend

[jentiffany]

Hello all,

Recently my friend's husband has been having a lot of problems. It started about 4 months ago. He gets tired around 9pm and wants to go to bed. If he doesn't go to bed right away, it's like his personality flips. I wouldn't believe it but I was with her one night when this happened. He and I had been friends for a long time and it was through me that they met. So basically, I know his personality and I saw the change. It was like his eyes glazed over and he just got so angry over something stupid. The next day she said he didn't remember it. She says this happens almost every night. He also has been sleepwalking and doing things while he's sleepwalking. Nothing to endanger himself or his wife but enough to get her out of bed and stop him. A couple of days ago they got into an argument in the middle of the day. He went totally nuts and started throwing things. It really scared her because he's always been so mild tempered as long as they've been married. She got her purse and left. When she got to her car he followed her and started pounding his fist on the hood of the car and screaming at her. She went to her mom's house and about an hour later he called her wondering where she was. He said he woke up on the computer room floor and wondered why she had left and didn't tell him where she was going. He had no clue what had happened. Does anyone know what might be causing this? He just turned 30 years old. He's not on any medications and he doesn't drink. No health problems that they're aware of. When he was in high school he did meth really heavily but has been clean for the last 10 or 11 years. He doesn't appear to be back on it even though his actions would suggest it. The physical signs don't match. He's not losing weight, no sores, no odor. It's just really strange. From what I understand, it started a few months ago when they put their house up for sale and has carried over into buying and moving into the new house. He's also been under a lot of stress at work. Any suggestions would be great as to why this is suddenly happening. Thanks! -Jen

[SWM]

what does he make of this himself?

[jentiffany]

Well, at first he would apologize and then when his mood would flip and he'd get angry and say that he didn't have a problem and he didn't know what she was talking about. After that last incident when she left home, I think he finally realized how bad it was. He's agreed to seek counseling with their pastor but I'm concerned that he may need a medical professional. I don't really know what he makes of it other than that.

[SWM]

what is it about him or the situation that makes you think there is a need for a medical professional?

[jentiffany]

I guess I've never known anyone to act out that way. I mean I'm not saying there's definitely something wrong with him in the head, I just think he should be evaluated by a professional. At least some kind of therapist who is experienced in recognizing signs of drug use or mental illness and then reccommend someone else if necessary. I don't think stress alone can cause things like this, though I'm sure it doesn't help. What are your thoughts?

[SWM]

here are a lits of symptoms of stress,  a person with stress may have some or all of the following.

Cognitive Symptoms     

    * Memory problems
    * Inability to concentrate
    * Poor judgment
    * Seeing only the negative
    * Anxious or racing thoughts
    * Constant worrying

Emotional Symptoms

    * Moodiness
    * Irritability or short temper
    * Agitation, inability to relax
    * Feeling overwhelmed
    * Sense of loneliness and isolation
    * Depression or general unhappiness

Physical Symptoms    

    * Aches and pains
    * Diarrhea or constipation
    * Nausea, dizziness
    * Chest pain, rapid heartbeat
    * Loss of sex drive
    * Frequent colds
    * Over tired or Too much energy

Behavioral Symptoms   

    * Eating more or eating less
    * Sleeping too much or too little
    * Isolating yourself from others
    * Procrastinating or neglecting responsibilities
    * Using alcohol, cigarettes, or drugs to relax
    * Nervous habits (e.g. nail biting, pacing)