Behavior and Mood problems
Overview
Superficial siderosis progression may have profound behavior, mood, and emotional consequences. Lack of knowledge about the disorder adds to the anxieties commonly experienced by people who are newly diagnosed. In addition to the stress and emotional reactions to the diagnosis, progressive organic changes in brain function over a long period may also result in behavior and mood changes. Additionally, brain changes might cause some people to begin behaving uncharacteristically moody, aggressive, angry, apathetic, pessimistic, or euphoric, inconsistent with their usual personality.
Natural Reactions to a Superficial Siderosis Diagnosis
Worry, fear of the future, occasional moodiness or irritability, and anxiety are all normal reactions in the face of an unpredictable diagnosis. Anyone may become anxious when faced with an impaired or poor quality of life, but these feelings should not last for long periods or become uncontrollable. On the other hand, depressionOverview Depression is a common and serious mental health di... More, long-term persistent anxiety, and extreme irritability or anger require treatment.
Family and Friends
Family members or friends will be the first to notice extreme personality changes. Someone quiet or patient their entire life may begin to have uncharacteristic outbursts of anger, impatience, or combativeness. If executive thought dysfunction is also present, behavior may become inappropriate during social settings.
Treatment and Management
- Neuropyschiatric evaluation
- Behavior therapy to replace negative behaviors with positive ones
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) will teach coping mechanisms to regulate thoughts and feelings and manage behavior
- Mood-altering presciption medications
- Regular therapy sessions