Sunday, 5 August 2018


Donald Trump's violent mood swings are indicative of someone who may have either serious mental illness or may have a blood clot which may be periodically hemorrhaging causing this pattern of behavior.

I had discussed the matters below with a Clinical Psychologist in the Fall of last year.
The individual in question declined to give me anything to print but was forthcoming on condition that he/she remained anonymous.
What you read below is a composite (compiled from Internet extracted material) of broadly what issues we generally discussed.
I should mention that this individual did offer to give me an article about the psychoses WE (worldwide) are suffering - caused by having to 'deal' with the effects of Trump's  illness on our own lives - the opaque and distorted equivalent of living with someone who is mentally ill and having to 'manage' their affairs.
I politely declined this article because what that individual had originally said to me was so profound and so original that it was worthwhile waiting more than 6 months to see if he/she had changed his/her mind and would permit me to print it under his/her own name.
Unfortunately this has not happened so I am compositing or collaging what we discussed last Fall.
I have added certain known clinical and behavioral facts we did not discuss but which are analytically evident where such medical conditions exist.


''Brain tumors can cause personality changes, which can distress caregivers and frustrate patients. ... The frontal lobe is the command center of personality, so tumors in this locale cause obvious behavioral changes. Pituitary tumors create hormonal imbalances that affect mood, emotions, and sex drive.''

''What sort of personality changes can brain tumour cause?

While a certain amount of personality change might be experienced due to the natural reaction to diagnosis and treatment, not everyone with a brain tumour will experience personality changes that could be classed as problematic.
If you have or had a brain tumour, you may experience changes to aspects of your personality. Personality changes may include:
Read more about brain tumour side effects.

''Why can brain tumors cause personality changes?

Location of the tumour

As a brain tumour grows, it puts pressure on surrounding tissue affecting the function, process or part of the body that is controlled by that area of the brain. Personality changes are most common in people when the tumour is located in their frontal lobe, which controls personality, behaviour and emotions, problem solving and long-term memory. Personality changes can also be caused by a tumour in the pituitary gland which controls hormone levels.

Swelling in the brain

This can result from treatments including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Personality changes that have occurred as a direct or indirect result of these treatments usually pass gradually as you recover. Large tumours can have a greater effect as they affect a greater area. However, even a small tumour in a key structure of the brain can have a significant impact.

The impact of the diagnosis and treatment


Personality changes might be experienced as a natural reaction to the diagnosis and treatment. The emotional impact of the diagnosis, undergoing treatment, and the lifestyle changes that are often necessary for a person living with a brain tumour, can affect mood, general persona and can cause a person to become more irritable.''

extract above from The Brain Tumour Charity:
https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/understanding-brain-tumours/living-with-a-brain-tumour/side-effects/personality-changes-and-brain-tumours/

What causes behavioral and personality changes?

Tumor location influences the type of symptoms. Here is an example:
While on a sailing trip with his wife Diana, Ray Rosenkaimer suffered a terrible headache. He became too disoriented and confused to continue sailing, and Diana took over the helm. The next morning Ray awoke feeling better and thought everything was fine. Instead, he had a frightening and shocking surprise.
“As I drank my coffee and began to look at the morning paper, I was struck with the horror of not being able to read one word. I could not believe it. The words held no meaning. I looked in my wallet to see if I could recognize myself on any photo ID or at least read my social security number. To my amazement I comprehended nothing. I was unrecognizable to myself. The person sitting across from me at the breakfast table looked somewhat familiar, but I neither knew her nor her name. I thought I had lost my mind.”
A large meningioma, the most common type of primary brain tumor, growing in the left temporal and parietal area severely affected Ray’s memory and language centers. Effects of pressure or “disconnection” of interrelated brain areas can cause problems that might not be expected. The illustration below identifies brain functions and their locations...........

Complications of memory loss

Memory loss is a common brain tumor symptom. Patients and family members often don’t understand why remote memories from years ago remain intact, yet the person can not remember where she puts things, forgets appointments, or keeps repeating the same information over and over again.“The patient isn’t being difficult or careless,” explains Dr. Kayl. “These symptoms are a function of the disease process.”
Dr. Kayl presented a case study that represents a typical experience of mild memory loss compounded by anxiety: Ms. Jones (not her real name) was diagnosed with a left frontal region tumor. She was treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Like many individuals diagnosed with a frontal lobe tumor, Ms. Jones reported language and memory problems. She had trouble finding the correct word in conversation and trouble recalling people’s names. Despite these mild impairments, Ms. Jones was fully capable of expressing her thoughts and carrying on an enjoyable conversation.

''What to Expect When You Have a Brain Tumor''

''Few things are more difficult to process emotionally than a brain tumor diagnosis. Depending on where your brain tumor is located and how quickly it is growing, you can expect changes to your personality, behavior, memory, and other things you consider integral to your sense of self. Many types of brain tumors are treatable, however, and you may even be able to expect some personality and behavioral changes to reverse themselves with time.
Your brain tumor and its treatment can also have physical side effects. Some of these changes can include fatigue, seizures, weakness and mobility problems. With time, you may recover from many of these changes, too.

Your Brain Tumor Might Affect Your Personality

Depending on its size, type, and location, a brain tumor can have a profound effect on your personality and behavior. A brain tumor in your frontal lobe, for example, could affect your intelligence, mobility, behavior, ability to use logic, personality, decision-making skills, judgment, moods, inhibitions, or planning abilities. A tumor in the temporal lobe could affect your memory, hearing, speech, vision, or emotions. Tumors in still other parts of the brain could affect everything from your involuntary bodily functions to your ability to read or hold a conversation.
Brain cancer treatment can relieve many of the symptoms of a brain tumor. Sometimes brain tumor symptoms begin to improve immediately, as the affected parts of your brain begin to regain function. Other times, however, it takes longer for symptoms to improve as other parts of your brain begin to take over the functions that the affected parts of your brain can no longer perform. reference:You may experience some lasting effects.''

Some interesting discussions about brain tumors:

Q.My husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year, and I've noticed a change in his behavior. He can be short-tempered with me and not very nice to our children. I know he is under a lot of stress (he is trying to continue to work while receiving treatment), but I'm worried things will get worse. Is there any connection between his cancer and/or treatment and his behavior?

Answered by 
Sarah Kelly, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Supervisor
A.
When a person is diagnosed with a brain tumor, changes in behavior and thinking occur in most patients at some point during their treatment. Changes in behavior may include mild memory loss, mood swings, or intense emotional outbursts. Tumor location, medications (such as chemotherapy and steroids), and stressful life situations can influence behavior. The first step is for you and your husband to discuss these changes. Have you let him know that you feel his behavior has changed? He may or may not be fully aware of these changes.
The second step is to share any changes in personality or behavior with his doctor to rule out a medical cause and make any adjustment to medications if that is needed. The change in his personality may also be due to the stress he is under and a sign that he is struggling emotionally with his diagnosis. A brain tumor diagnosis can bring up many feelings, including anxiety, anger, or sadness. As your husband’s primary caregiver, those feelings may be directed towards you since you are the one he is closest to and trusts. Letting him know how his behavior is affecting you and the family and seeking support can be incredibly helpful. If you are having trouble communicating, couples counseling may help. It may also be helpful for you as his caregiver to have added support at this time. Seeking counseling, joining a support group, talking to a trusted friend or family member, or even writing in a journal can help.
CancerCare provides support services for both patients and caregivers. You can also view all of our brain tumor support services, including an online brain tumor caregiver support group.
Finally, here are some publications that may also be helpful as you care for your husband:

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