Wondering if there is a Psychological diagnosis to help a friend?

Philip S · #1 (**permalink**) 12-29-2008, 07:09 AM

A friend of mine goes to a VA clinic. They tell him they haven't found a diagnosis for him. He calls it a"brain freeze".Symptoms: Total lack of concentration with no way to respond to questions or statements. He can not finish something he states. He can move around, smoke, but has a zombie look to his demeaner. If he is at a check out counter with me, I would ask him to take out his wallet and go through the steps of purchasing. He wouldn't be able to take out the wallet.These attacks or spells come about every 4 -7 days. Anyone know of someone with similar behavior and a diagnosis? Anything to help him.

anjangel · #2 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 05:53 AM

Sounds similar to"mini strokes", or transient ischemic attacks where the brain temporarily doesn't get the oxygen it needs. They are diagnosed many times by symptoms alone. But there are medical imaging that can be done.

TKD540 · #3 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 03:50 AM

He might some type of dissociative identity disorder. Perhaps the instances where he is unable to act like himself is the manifestation that another identity has taken place in lieu of the other. It makes no sense for him to act normal most of the time but flake out several times. I think that if he has dissociative identity disorder, then maybe its explainable that a few times during the week he believes he is someone else and is therefore confounded when he is asked to do something that his new"character"is not suppose to do or refuses to do.

true thoughts · #4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 06:14 AM

NEVER! take one opinion of any diagnosis. Go to another doctor!He should see a neurologist.