A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
Y
Central nervous system
Central nervous system

Behavior - unusual or strange
Definition:
Abnormally strange, unusual, or weird behavior in a person that is not typical of that individual (delirium or dementia).

Alternative Names:
Acting strangely

Considerations:
Delirium differs from dementia in that it indicates fluctuating or reversible behavior whereas most dementias are progressively deteriorating behavior.

Delirium usually consists of disorientation and confusion, whereas dementia, in the earlier stages, usually consists of memory deficits. Senile dementia (confusion) is a major problem in America today because people are living longer than ever before.

Elderly people are often diagnosed as "senile" yet this diagnosis is made incorrectly or prematurely. There are many causes of strange behavior that need to be explored before a diagnoses like Alzheimer's disease (senile dementia) is made. Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia.
Common Causes:
(in older people)(in people of all ages):
  • anxiety, emotional problems
  • amphetamines and antidepressants
  • illicit drug use
  • diseases affecting the nervous system (neurological diseases)
  • non-neurological diseases, particularly with fever (for example, pneumonia)
  • low or high thyroid function
  • environmental hazards
Home Care:
For dementia or delirium caused by a brain tumor, head injury, stroke, infection, fever, or pneumonia, see the doctor about the proper treatment for the underlying cause.

For delirium caused by anxiety and emotional problems, reassurance and loving support are recommended. Frequent feedback about time, place, and names of people providing care can be helpful.

For delirium or dementia caused by malnutrition, a proper diet and vitamin supplements are recommended.

For delirium caused by medication, consult your doctor about adjusting dosage, changing medications, or discontinuing them.

For delirium or dementia caused by alcohol in excess, complete abstinence is required.

For delirium caused by emotional problems, psychological counseling is recommended.

For delirium caused by hypothermia, adequate heat and warmth is required. Re-warming should be carefully monitored.

For delirium that follows surgery, this condition is usually temporary, but avoid prolonged use of sedatives and pain killers.

For dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease, there is no prevention but possible new treatments should be discussed with the doctor (for example, Cognex). Sympathetic care, occupational therapy, and family support are needed.

For dementia caused by Huntington's chorea, provide supportive care.

For delirium resulting from environmental causes, make a concerted effort to modify the environment or change environments.

For delirium caused by low thyroid function, see the doctor about thyroid hormone replacements.
Call your health care provider if:
  • dementia or delirium is present.
  • unusual or strange behavior is severe, prolonged, unexplained, or is impairing lifestyle.
Note: Often a neurologist is the doctor of choice.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting unusual or strange behavior in detail may include:
  • quality
    • What unusual behaviors are present?
    • How much is the lifestyle affected?
    • Can the person eat, dress, and perform other everyday activities?
  • time pattern
    • When did the unusual behavior begin?
    • Is it getting worse, better, or staying about the same?
    • How fast is the behavior changing?
  • other
    • What other symptoms are also present?
The physical examination will probably include a detailed neurological evaluation.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by the health care provider as the cause of unusual behavior, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.
Review Date: 6/4/2001
Reviewed By: Christos Ballas, M.D., Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com