Changes in Personality and Behavior

Individuals who are healthy exhibit a wide range of personality traits, moods, and behaviors. Additionally, people may experience variations daily based on situational factors. However, when there is a rapid and noticeable shift in someone’s personality or actions, especially if it is not linked to a clear trigger (like starting a new medication or grieving), it can indicate a potential mental health issue.

These abrupt shifts in personality or behavior usually include several common symptoms:

• Confusion or delirium
• Delusions
• Disorganized thoughts or actions
• Hallucinations
• Intense mood swings (such as severe depression or mania)

These symptom groups do not indicate specific mental illnesses; they simply serve as a classification for doctors to identify various thought, speech, and behavior irregularities. Changes in these areas can be influenced by either medical conditions or mental health disorders.

It's possible for individuals to experience multiple types of changes simultaneously. For instance, a person feeling confused from medication reactions might also encounter hallucinations, while someone with drastic mood changes could experience delirium.

Origins of Personality and Behavioral Changes

While many believe that alterations in personality, thought processes, or behavior stem solely from mental disorders, a variety of underlying causes exist. All these causes fundamentally involve the brain, and categorizing them into four groups can be useful:

• Psychological Disorders
• Substance Use (which includes both drug intoxication and withdrawal) and Side Effects of Medication
• Disorders that Primarily Affect Brain Function
• Systemic Illnesses that Impact the Brain

Managing Personality and Behavioral Changes

When there is an underlying issue, it should be addressed or treated whenever feasible. In cases where individuals pose a risk to themselves or others, hospitalization and treatment are often necessary, regardless of their willingness. Many states stipulate that decisions about care must be made by a designated individual acting on behalf of the patient, known as a surrogate decision maker. If such a person is not appointed, doctors may reach out to the next of kin, or an emergency guardian might be appointed by the court.

For those who do not represent a danger to themselves or others, evaluation and treatment can be declined, even though their refusal might lead to challenges for both themselves and their families.