Are severe mood swings a side effect of Crohn's?

[Lizzie77]

Hi,

My sister-in-law was diagnosed with Crohn's, ulcerative colitis and IBS three years ago. She and my brother-in-law (my husbands brother) have been married for five years and have two children. It was a depressing and worrying time for both of them until her condition was finally diagnosed. She is on all sorts of medication (I don't know the names) and has had her condition under control for a couple of years now with only a few flare ups thankfully. As a family we are all supportive of her, but two months ago, out of the blue she informed my brother-in-law she wanted to end their relationship, it was going nowhere and she was bored. Two weeks after that she said she was sorry, could they go back as they were to which my brother-in-law agreed, then the next day she said she was wrong, it's best they stay as friends. This has happened twice more since apparently, it's as if she can't make up her mind?

My brother-in-law was devastated, he doesn't know which way is up at the moment, their marriage has always been happy, at least he and the rest of us thought so. However, when he was talking to my husband and I, we wondered if either her condition or the medication she is taking is causing mood swings? Can this happen with these conditions? My other sister-in-law (my husbands sister) doesn't want anything to do with her considering what she's putting my brother-in-law through, but I don't want to judge the poor woman if she can't help these mood swings if indeed that's what the problem is. All advice would be gratefully received, thank you.

 

[Lisa]

The disease itself would not necessarily cause mood swings, HOWEVER - certain medications definitely can and do - especially steroids. Of course there are other causes, such as hormonal imbalances, and even deficiencies in various supplements/vitamins.

It would probably be a good idea if she talks to someone about these swings, and if she isn't able/willing to do that, her husband would hopefully benefit from talking to someone - even her doctor to make them aware of the change.

Personal anecdote - my younger brother was on high doses of pretty strong pain killers for a while, and although he couldn't see it, his personality underwent a 180 degree turn - it wasn't until he was able to get off the narcotics that he could tell how much his attitude etc was affected by the drugs. Thankfully he was able to get surgery and be off the meds before he did any permanent damage to his family life and his own situation.

 

[rrhood1]

Lizzie:
I was on Prednizone when first diagnosed & went through such mood swings that I thought I was going crazy. I actually had to ask my boss to check my correspondence to clients because I would rage in my emails over nothing. If your sister-in-law is on steroids there is a very good possibility that they're causing the personality change.

 

[Lizzie77]

Thank you so much for your replies. I have this weird feeling that it might be because of her medication although I'm not sure what exactly it is, but I know she was on steroids for a while. My husband, his brother and his wife and I have always been so close, so I'm kind of trying to help, but not interfere. Sadly it may just be relationship issues with them, but if it is to do with her medication and it can be fixed then great, so thanks for your advice. I think maybe my brother-in-law seeing their GP might be a good start.