Are delusions and anger normal? Seems to be getting worse.

Hi there,

We’re really sorry to hear of your partner’s stroke just before Christmas.

Changes in personality are common after stroke and anger can be one of these changes. There is some great information in the ‘Personality Changes’ section in enableme:

https://enableme.org.au/resources/personality-changes

Synapse have a great fact sheet on anger that can be found here. 

Delusions are less common however can occur after a stroke.

I’d suggest discussing the changes (both the delusions and anger) with your partner’s medical team (either the GP and neurologist if he is at home, or the neurology team if he is still in hospital). 

Personality changes generally don’t continue to worsen, but may be exacerbated with stress, frustration or fatigue. The medical team may need to ensure there aren’t any new medical problems that may be causing your partner’s changes to worsen, for instance an infection or medication side effects.

Once medical factors have been ruled out, a referral to a psychologist may be helpful.

If you would like to have a chat with us for further information, please feel free to call us on StrokeLine (phone 1800 787 653 – Mon-Fri 9am-5pm).

Best wishes,

Katherine (StrokeLine) 1800 787 653

My husband had a major May 2014, he was extremely delusional and had very angry outbursts which was very unlike him.  Hang in there as they lessen how often and in the intensity but we still go through them every now and then.

It will become worst before it gets better, they are angry about what's happened to them, they feel they are less of a person and their partner is going to leave them so they have a feeling of vulnerability. Their life as they now it has now ceased and that's where they are stuck.

Once they slowly accept their circumstances things will ease.

We have been through numerous psychologists and doctors and whilst they will may seem to accept what the doctors say it will take a while for it to sink in.