Combative Behavior and Delusions

[Moojuice219]

My husband has been expressing delusional thinking and combative behavior. Is this in any of the stages of PSP? He has always been reasonable and kind. I’m wondering if this is PSP behavior...Or is this because of social isolation from not being with family since March 7, 2020?

[Tippyleaf]

Sadly cognitive changes can be part of PSP though social isolation must compound this situation. We found that Frustration at being unable to undertake activities or communicate as my husband wanted was a contributing factor in his aggression and challenging behaviour. If it is possible to get a Speech and language and physiotherapy /OT review this may help. We also found a Neuro Psychiatrist really helpful. After therapy session and antidepressants helped a little antipsychotic medication was the real game changer for us.

Take a look at the PSPA guide on cognitive changes too

My final suggestion is to think about the support you have - dealing with this type of behaviour is so challenging you need support too.

Take care

Love Tippy

[Aurala in reply to Tippyleaf]

I’ve tried to locate a Neuro psychiatrist or psychologist, but could only find those who did testing. Any recommendations for searching for these professionals? I’m in a NYC suburb. Wouldn’t think that it would be so difficult to find.

[Tippyleaf in reply to Aurala]

Could you ask the Neurologist for a referral/ recommendation? Or contact Cure PSP? I am in the UK and recognise we have different healthcare systems

Love Tippy

[Aurala in reply to Tippyleaf]

The neurologist ( connected to CUREPSP) had only one name and that person was over an hour away from us in another state.

[Uscarol in reply to Aurala]

any big university hospital should have neuro psychiatrists. NYC should have a boatload.

[Aurala in reply to Uscarol]

So you’d think. Googled it and wouldn’t even fit a toy boat called and that wasn’t what they did maybe call the hospitals ....

[Hidden]

His behavior isn’t unusual for someone with PSP. Not everyone has the behavior problems. What symptoms occur is case by case.

It might be related to a urinary tract infection. That can cause hallucinations. If he is having those.

[Kellsbelles]

My dad has these symptoms too. He’s never been aggressive in his life! I’ve heard it can be normal for some with PSP. My dad’s delusions and hallucinations are so bad though that they suspect he may have lewy body dementia also.

[daddyt]

I think Tippy's response is speaks correctly to the issue. A neuropsychiatrist is an important consideration, don't overlook it.

Tim

[rideabike]

I recently found some interesting info re: Taurine, an amino acid that can be missing in the brain or lower in people with neurological disorders. I've been taking it at night to help with extreme anxiety and was just told I could take more of it without harm.

Severe stress uses up Taurine in our body and it must be replaced. A dose of the powder type is easy to put into water and tasteless or directly on the tongue. My bottle says a dose is 2000 mg. but I was only using 500 mg., along with melatonin and other amino acids, as a sleep aid. If I wake up all stressed during the night I take an extra dose of Taurine and feel very able to go back to sleep. I don't see why it couldn't be taken throughout the day as needed which I plan on doing now that I know I won't overdose.

It can be purchased quite inexpensively but I do recommend the powder over capsules and start at 500 mg. and go from there. It can't hurt to talk it over with the doctor and do some online research as well.

Sometimes natural healing works better than a drug.

[Richard33 in reply to rideabike]

That is interesting. If you think it is working, you should do a separate post so that people do not miss it. As you say it is an inexpensive and safe drug - so no harm in trying it.

Richard

[rideabike in reply to Richard33]

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking that too. I have a friend who's husband had severe combative behaviour (for other reasons), but they did a test on him for Taurine and the doctor said he had no significant amount. The test was very expensive unfortunately and his behaviour never improved because he refused to take it. She had such severe stress from dealing with him she took it herself and passed on to me the benefits of it. When you think of all the people who suffered stress in wars and other types of PTSD it's a shame there isn't more info out there.

[Martina_MP]

A lot of doctors are now set up for telemedicine/online video appointments and so you may be able to access care outside your area without having to trek. Call the offices and find out. I do agree with starting with the university medical centers.

[Uscarol]

I really think that this is PSP. My husband only had a quick temper otherwise reasonable also.. He has displayed very combative and aggressive behavior towards me. He is on several medications to calm him. I am sure he must feel some frustration being in this position with no control of his circumstances, his body and his intellect. We tried to get him therapy but that was a bust. He wouldn't hear about it. I am sure your isolation does contribute to this, on top of everything else. Not knowing how long he has suffered with the disease, you may wish to contact your neuro or his nurse for advice.