Personality Changes with Stroke

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Perhaps one of the hardest consequences of stroke that a family deals with is personality changes in the stroke patient. It is not uncommon for the stroke victim to become apathetic, depressed, or have frequent mood swings. Depression is by far the most common emotional change, but there are others that are equally as difficult. Below is a list of some emotional changes that may occur with stroke:

Emotional Lability - This is characterized by mood swings and emotional responses for no apparent reason. The person may cry uncontrollably without provocation or laugh at inappropriate times. Emotional lability can be debilitating for patients because it interferes with their ability to interact with others socially. Emotional lability is not the same as depression. A stroke victim can be labile without being depressed or he or she may be afflicted with both conditions.

Depression - Due to brain injury and decline in function, it is not uncommon for the stroke patient to become depressed. If the patient has aphasia or is prone to lability, it may be difficult to determine if depression is present. Grieving due to the stroke or short term reactive depression is normal, but deeper depression may include persistence of these symptoms:

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Feelings of despair and hopelessness

Poor appetite or increased appetite

Frequent crying

Excessive sleeping or not sleeping enough

Apathy toward life

Increased agitation or restlessness

Expression of suicidal thoughts or thoughts about dying

In order to determine if your loved one is experiencing depression after stroke, have an evaluation performed by a physician. Neuropsychiatrists can be helpful in dealing with post stroke depression. Tips to help patients with depression include involving them in activities, exposing them to sunlight or the outdoors, expressing a positive attitude when interacting with them, and helping them find a support group.

Agitation - The stroke patient may appear angry or have episodes of lashing out verbally and/or physically. Fear may be present as well. The agitated patient may unintentionally say hurtful things. Agitation may be brought on by overstimulation from such things as noise, bright lights, being attached to multiple medical devices (IVs, catheters, feeding tube, etc.), too many visitors, and others trying to engage the patient in conversation or asking the patient questions.

Caregivers can help calm the agitated person by talking calmly, not asking too many questions, avoiding activities that are known to agitate the patient, knowing the signs of beginning agitation, removing items that overstimulate the patient, limiting visitors when necessary, and making sure the patient is getting enough rest.

Anxiety - Symptoms may include persistent irritability, restlessness, poor concentration, poor sleeping habits, muscle tension, decreased energy, and excessive worrying. Some stroke patients may be overly fearful that they are going to experience another stroke.

Dealing with Personality Changes

It is important to consult a neuropsychiatrist or neuropsychologist if the stroke victim is debilitated by any of the above mentioned personality changes. These medical specialists are specifically trained to work with neurologically impaired patients. 

To find a neuropsychologist in the US, visit https://theaacn.org/directory/#gsc.tab=0

To find a neuropsychiatrist in the US, visit https://www.healthsoul.com/best-doctor-ratings/neuropsychiatrist/usa

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