Behavior - Unusual Or Strange
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Definition
Unusual or strange behavior involves performing actions that are not normal for the person.
Alternative Names
Acting strangely
Considerations
Unusual or strange behavior may include:
Common Causes
There are many causes of unusual or strange behavior, including medical and psychiatric illnesses. Two of the more common medical causes are:
Delirium -- Sudden or quick onset of reduced consciousness, awareness, perception, or thought that may be a symptom of a medical illness such as brain or mental dysfunction
Dementia -- Chronic, worsening loss of cognitive function that occurs with brain disorders
Psychiatric illnesses that are often associated with unusual or strange behavior include:
- Anxiety disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
Possible causes of strange behavior in older people include:
- Alcohol consumption in excess
- Alzheimer's disease
- Chronic exposure to cold (hypothermia)
- Dehydration
- Hypoglycemia
- Electrolyte abnormality
- Emotional problems (depression or feeling useless)
- Head injury (subdural hematoma)
- Heart attack, pulmonary embolism, stroke
- Infection (including pneumonia, gastroenteritis, urinary tract infection)
- Malnutrition (particularly vitamin B12 and thiamine deficiency)
- Medications (sleeping pills, pain relievers)
- Thyroid disorders (either underactive or overactive)
- Unfamiliar surroundings
Possible causes in people of all ages include:
- Diseases affecting the nervous system (neurological diseases)
- Recreational drugs (such as amphetamines and cocaine)
- Environmental hazards
- Low or high thyroid function
- Non-neurological diseases, especially those with fever (for example, pneumonia)
- Side effects of medications
References
Inouye SK. Delirium and other mental status problems in the older patient. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 26.
Knopman DS. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 425.
Review Date: 2/6/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and Department of Anatomy at UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Alternative Names
Acting strangely
Home Care
A doctor should evaluate any unusual behaviors or personality changes. Treatments are based on the following causes of strange behavior:
Alzheimer's disease -- medications, sympathetic care, occupational therapy, family support
Brain tumor, head injury, stroke, infection, fever, or pneumonia -- seek immediate medical attention
Emotional or psychiatric problems -- support, talk therapy, and medications
Environmental causes -- change the environment or change environments
Excess alcohol -- stop drinking (abstinence)
Huntington's disease -- supportive care
Hypothermia -- warmth (rewarming should be carefully monitored)
Illicit drug use -- stop taking the drug and seek a doctor's advice for withdrawal symptoms
Low thyroid function -- see your health care provider about thyroid hormone replacement treatment
Malnutrition -- medical exam, followed by proper diet and vitamin supplements
Medication -- ask the doctor about adjusting the dosage, changing medications, or stopping them
Surgery -- this is usually temporary, but avoid long-term use of sedatives and painkillers
Call your health care provider if
Schedule an appointment with your regular health care provider or a doctor who treats disorders of the nervous system (neurologist) if:
- The unusual or strange behavior is severe, long-term, unexplained, or is affecting your life
- You have dementia or delirium
What to expect at your health care provider's office
The health care provider will perform a physical examination and will take a medical history. The physical examination will probably include a detailed evaluation of the nervous system (neurological evaluation).
Medical history questions may include:
- What unusual behaviors are present?
- How much is your lifestyle affected?
- Can you eat, dress, and perform other everyday activities?
- When did the unusual behavior begin?
- Is it getting worse, better, or staying about the same?
- How fast is the behavior changing?
- What other symptoms are present?
The following tests may be performed:
Blood tests
- CT scan or MRI of the head
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Mental status test
- Neuropsychological testing
- Urine tests
References
Inouye SK. Delirium and other mental status problems in the older patient. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 26.
Knopman DS. Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 425.
Review Date: 2/6/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and Department of Anatomy at UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Review Date: 2/6/2010
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, and Department of Anatomy at UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.