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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
        
(Message started by: BB on Sep 19^th, 2006, 4:37pm)

Title: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by BB on Sep 19^th, 2006, 4:37pm

Hello everyone,

Is it a common thing people experience that their personality changes prior and during a cycle? That one becomes more moody, more depressed, have more mood swing. How bad can it get? Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ? Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over?

I understand that chronic pain, or acute but terrible pain, lack of sleep, side effects from medication etc can all take a toll on a person. Also the abnormal amounts of neurotransmitter such as serotonins and endorphines and dopamines must play a part. Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ?

DH is normally a very caring, loving, funny person but in cycle, his moods can change so much that I sometimes almost dont recognise him.

Thank you for your reply. Painfree wishes to us all.

Annette

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by BigCoffinHunter on Sep 19^th, 2006, 4:57pm

Absolutely. I become a lot more moody and depressed at times. It's hard not to with the threat of crippling pain that could come at any time. That becomes better with good meds that can control the CHs to some extent. The pain and lack of sleep just take a toll on a person.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Melissa on Sep 19^th, 2006, 5:09pm

Is it a common thing people experience that their personality changes prior and during a cycle? YES

How bad can it get? Depends on how bad the cycle is, and the persons temprament outside of cycle.

Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ? Well, I am normally placid, and in cycle I get really bitchy, but never violent or aggressive. Very direct and impatient tho, and I don't like to be bothered with things, and I mean ANYthing. Don't tell me to do the dishes, laundry, supper or anything else because that'll get me pissed.

Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over? After I get a good week of PF time, where I am sleeping through the night, then I become myself again.

Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ? What do you mean by "medicate"? I myself, took no prescription medication last cycle, instead it was only O2 and Kudzu. Was my cycle less personality changing? Yes, but only because I found something that was working for me. If a sufferer is not getting any relief, meds or not, they are going to be more depressed, edgy, sleep deprived, etc.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by kcopelin on Sep 19^th, 2006, 5:48pm

Definitely. I get almost rage-filled. I hate it. Annoyed at small stuff that usually doesn't even bother me, impatient, critical. I am downright ashamed of how I've acted when a cycle is starting, and during a cycle. I'm totally agast that I would say some of the things I've said. Have actually prayed that if God thinks I can handle these things He needs to take away my ability to speak.

kathy

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by georgej on Sep 19^th, 2006, 6:02pm

Personality change--you'd probably have to ask the people I live with. I don't think I become aggressive or short-tempered, particularly, but the one thing I do know is that I withdraw--sharply. There may be some depression involved.

I'm usually a very sociable person who does a lot of different things. When I'm in cycle, though, I "circle the wagons", withdraw, stay at home as much as possible, and don't want to see anyone but my family.

All I want during a cycle, really, is to be left alone. I crave sleep, can't get very much, and pretty much feel totally "dumbed down" and worn out.

So as far as extreme reactions, the answer would be "I don't think so." As far as personality change in general, I'd have to say yes--to the extent that I'm not the same as usual.

Best,

George

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by BB on Sep 19^th, 2006, 8:25pm

Thank you everybody for your reply. :)

Melissa,

Thanks for being so frank about your feelings while you are in cycle. I was just wondering how much of the mood change and depression can be attenuated by the side effects of some medication. But from what you have said, as long as they work and the pain is gone then the side effects if not too severe can be tolerated more easily.

Annette

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by unsolved1 on Sep 19^th, 2006, 9:47pm

CH and personality change [smiley=huh.gif] Maybe that explains why today I was wishing it were legal to push people out of your way while driving [smiley=laugh.gif] I drive a truck and several people ( morons ::) ) T'd me off while driving ... wish I could've pushed them out of the way and went on with it !! [smiley=laugh.gif]

UNsolved 8)

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Kevin_M on Sep 19^th, 2006, 9:49pm

on 09/19/06 at 16:37:15, BB wrote:

Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ?

Without prevents and abortives isn't what I want to feel or see. That'll alter my personality not good.

Verapamil isn't a disturbing change of personality as a trade off for me. Oxygen and trex, not at all.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Charlotte on Sep 19^th, 2006, 9:49pm

Annette, my mood change is not triggered by medications. When I'm about to get hit, I get angry for no reason. When I'm getting hit, colors look like I imagine a catarac must look like, sound sounds bad, food tastes bad, and people are ugly and irritating.

But I try to keep that to myself, and if I keep my mouth shut & don't look anybody in the eye, it goes better.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by starlight on Sep 19^th, 2006, 10:27pm

The pain and sleep dep. is what does it. And again it just depends on how much pain and how much sleep dep. It is usually not very pretty if the person is not getting any or much relief. Even now that I get relief I have felt depressed, weird, and withdrawn but now am swinging out of that for some reason--HAs are not too bad this week maybe that is why. When untreated when younger I was an absolute mess--crying, angry, very irritated. Also when I was younger and untreated I would feel almost manic at times after sleeping after head pain had gone away and would sometimes go out and party when evening came--alcohol did not trigger me back then at least not whatever I was drinking--probably quite a few different things LOL. Almost like I wanted to celebrate HA free time--it definitely created mood swings. Now wine does trigger and I don't drink anyway anymore. These mood changes will leave when the cycle ends. Although if your husband has really been having a rough time of it maybe some lingering depression/anxiety but that should clear up. I am sure that your support is helping him immeasurably even if he can't show it right now. Star

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by starlight on Sep 19^th, 2006, 10:32pm

Ps. If your husband is on steroids, I think that can create anger and mood swings as well as irritation. Star

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Karla on Sep 19^th, 2006, 10:39pm

Mel's description almost fits me to a T. Stay out of my way!

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Theresa on Sep 19^th, 2006, 10:50pm

Annette,

When I am in cycle my personality definitely changes. I get very moody and intolerant of just about everything. For me, lack of sleep and the constant anxiety of when the next attack will hit plays a serious role in my mood swings. Currently the only meds I take while in cycles is imitrex to abort my attacks so I don't think that is a major cause.

T

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by ti_beach on Sep 19^th, 2006, 11:18pm

I haven't really figured my husband out yet!! He was raised with a "screaming, controlling Dad"!! It does seem he is angrier, and more short tempered, when he is in "headache" mode! We are wondering if the topamax, that worked wonders for him last year, is the "cause" of his behavior this year. He is usually a well mannered man! Who knows................? ::)
Best wishes to you!
Hugs, and prayers,
Robin (ti_beach) :)

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by chewy on Sep 19^th, 2006, 11:25pm

Out of cycle I shop eBay for cool cell phones.

In cycle I shop eBay for grenade launchers.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by MJ on Sep 20^th, 2006, 1:24am

Lack of sleep and massive pain alone are enough to make one a little edgy.
Throw in a med like prednisone and watch out.

I have gone many years unmedicated BB but the changes are still there. Its very difficult to be amiable when your on total alert for another hit. Unmedicated the battle is much easier for me as with a clear head I fight better. We become very self centered I am allways first and foremost looking for that escape when not being hit and escaping while being hit, and I get hit a lot.
I never get depressed however, frustrated for sure.

It does not just stop automatically when a cycle is over, sometimes it may take months just to accept the war is over.

For the reasons you ask - any treatments I did do over the last many years was for the time between hits to keep up a strong and alert attitude as that is by far the beasts worst enemy.

Hang in there he's fighting an epic battle inside of himself with a foe more formidable than any other we know. The glory comes in winning each battle and it is then you should find the best in him. Untill again we prepare our minds to fight.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Skyhawk5 on Sep 20^th, 2006, 1:53am

Yes I change. I become touchy and easily angered. Don

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by chopmyheadoff on Sep 20^th, 2006, 2:20am

i dont think its the meds or even the pain.

I think this is due to some other underlying effect that the hypothalamus(?) is having on us.

i feel a definate shift in my mood BEFORE the pain comes - i go al withdrawn and sullen like georgej. i feel like this before i realise a ch is coming so it seems like its to do with some chemical imbalance or other ..

[smiley=bomb.gif]

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by BarbaraD on Sep 20^th, 2006, 7:18am

on 09/19/06 at 23:25:10, chewy wrote:

Out of cycle I shop eBay for cool cell phones.

In cycle I shop eBay for grenade launchers.

I'm with Don on this one.

I'm usually a nice person who hugs everyone, but when I'm getting hit - TOUCH ME AND YOU COULD GET HURT!!!

Hugs BD

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Chonas on Sep 20^th, 2006, 10:04am

on 09/19/06 at 16:37:15, BB wrote:

How bad can it get?
Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ?
Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over?
Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ?

In my case it becomes pretty bad.
I always become more aggressive.
It automatically stops once the cycle is over.
I only take a few Zomig pills to be able to sleep, specially and always when the cycle is at its peak, this usually means 1 of 2.5 mg during 5 or 6 nights.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Mattrf on Sep 20^th, 2006, 12:43pm

I tell my wife that I hate the person I become, I am normally a very nice and helpful person and love doing things around the house and it takes a lot to get me mad but when I am in pain it is all I can do to get through the day. I find it very tiring to have to work all day and not get mad at people and keep it under control so by the time I get home everyone stays a good distance from me since I am prone to have a bit of a hair trigger.
I don’t do anything around the house and just want to crash most days but the wife understands and doesn’t nag me about it.
Thank god my wife understands and puts up with me, I don’t know what I would do with out her in my life.

Matt

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by seasonalboomer on Sep 20^th, 2006, 1:10pm

It does appear that there are many variables when it comes to personality change with CH. I fall into the camp that kind of withdraws and gets quiet. My patience for stuff is a little short, but rather than react I will simply find a place further away.

I do find that I am little more emotional, inasmuch going to a tearjerker of a movie can make this 43 year old man cry like a little girl.

No aggression or considerable irritability. My mother in law's presence can sometimes trigger me so I try to avoid her and when I can't avoid my wife watches me close as she can sometimes see when the limits have been reached.

scott

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Richr8 on Sep 20^th, 2006, 1:18pm

on 09/19/06 at 16:37:15, BB wrote:

Hello everyone,

Is it a common thing people experience that their personality changes prior and during a cycle? Guilty.
That one becomes more moody, more depressed, have more mood swing. Guilty
How bad can it get? Bad, and after Prednisone, downright scary.
Can someone who is normally placid become aggressive or even violent ? I'm not normally placid, btu can get agressive in cycle and on pred.
Does it seem to stop automatically once the cycle is over? Slowly improves

I understand that chronic pain, or acute but terrible pain, lack of sleep, side effects from medication etc can all take a toll on a person. Also the abnormal amounts of neurotransmitter such as serotonins and endorphines and dopamines must play a part. Does that mean that people who dont medicate gets less of depressed and less change in their personality ? That's my guess. That's why I am going to try and skip the pred this year. Wish me luck.

DH is normally a very caring, loving, funny person but in cycle, his moods can change so much that I sometimes almost dont recognise him.

Thank you for your reply. Painfree wishes to us all.

Annette

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by BlueMeanie on Sep 20^th, 2006, 1:41pm

Prior to a cycle KIP 0, life is beautyful. During a cycle you go into a torture chamber (closet/bathroom stall/vehicle) and get tortured for 90 minutes 3x a day. Yes, I'd say your mood/personality changes. [smiley=huh.gif]

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by jon019 on Sep 20^th, 2006, 1:43pm

on 09/20/06 at 13:10:52, seasonalboomer wrote:

The above sounds exactly like me with the following
strange exceptions.

When in cycle I am much more witty and funny than normal. Perhaps it's manic, perhaps it's an attempt to disguise the trauma I feel. Perhaps it is other aspects of brain chemistry. I tell people to watch for this if they want to know my "headache" condition.

Also am able to write much more creatively. While I would never, ever, EVER wish for a cycle, I DO wish for the writing assignments I get at work to be DURING a cycle. I can just kill 'em. I find this REALLY odd and do not even have a theory to explain.

Regards

Jon

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by Margi on Sep 20^th, 2006, 2:36pm

Annette - absolutely, I see cluster mood swings with my hubby. I'd even go so far as to say that I can tell if there's a cycle looming on the horizon, as much as three months ahead by the changes Mike goes through. When I see the "cluster mood" start to take over, I often suggest that he start on the St. Johnswort to combat the ensuing depression. It really does help him get through the PCS (Pre-Cluster-Syndrome, we call it :)) time.

Mike is traditionally unmedicated. He only has tried meds in the last 2 cycles - prior to that - alternatives, prior to that, nothing. I've not seen much of a pattern change in mood swings except when he came off the lithium, last cycle. It was grim - I don't think I've ever seen him so depressed once he finished his taper. Took about 3 months to regulate after that.

While in cycle, however, Mike becomes very focussed and just...gets the job done. He doesn't complain, he knows he's going to get hit no matter what, but he just keeps pushing himself through his days when he's in cycle. When an attack is coming on, he just looks at me, points to his head, rolls his eyes and goes downstairs to sit alone with his oxygen. Not a word is spoken.

It's only at peak of cycle that he will sometimes falter - but that's only when he's getting 8 or 9 hits a day and no sleep. I wouldn't call that an agressive mood that he gets in at that point either - more just one of fatalistic qualities and extreme sadness. Just tired, hopeless and sad. I guess that's when my own feelings of helplessness peak too.

As a cycle is ending, his mood is elevated and a renewed spirit overtakes him. But that PCS part of the cycle, that's when we (the family) start buffering him... When we see the sudden mood change and impatience starting, I guess we all know what's on the horizon. We all also try to prevent the cycle as much as possible too, but, honestly, it's like trying to stop a freight train. No one is allowed to visit that may have a cold, he will turn down jobs where mold or aerosol spraying is happening, we make sure (or we try) to get enough sleep, take vitamins, keep things calm, etc. We've been at this for 20 years though - we're well-versed in assuming the cluster battle stations.

There definitely was a time, though, when the PCS mood would continue through the cycle when we didn't know what we were dealing with. Mike's learned the hard way though that there truly is no sense fighting it (whether it's the cycle itself or each individual attack) - he just takes it all in stride and deals with it. It's a darned good thing he's in the business he's in - he's had to fix a lot of holes in the drywall from his earlier clustering years.

Title: Re: CH and PERSONALITY CHANGE
Post by BB on Sep 20^th, 2006, 8:58pm

Thank you so much everyone for sharing your perspective. It helps so much to know that others understand and experience similar things.

Its interesting that several people mentioned that Prednisone affect the moods badly. I will look more into it to see if there is an explaination as to by what mechanism it does this. One wouldnt think an anti-inflammatory type of steroids would affect the mind that much.

It would be much better for anyone who has cluster to be understood how all of its complex aspects can affect a person 's personality, by people around them , from family to friends to work colleagues to treating doctors ... as it would make it easier to cope with the condition. Its hard to enough with the lack of sleep and incredible pain.

My sincere admiration to all clusterheads including my DH for so bravely live with the seemingly impossible, yet still manage to give us supporters the smiles, the hugs and the appreciation whenever you can.

Lots of love and painfree wishes to all.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Annette