Blood tests and MRI after seeing Psychiatrist?

[insanityscatching]

Ds had what we thought was a breakdown. Essentially he walked out of his job of ten years and then lied for months about this "new" job. Only when he had no money left did this fantasy life become apparent.
He was referred for counselling and prescribed anti depressants which haven't really had any effect and then referred for assessment for ASD and to a psychiatrist who saw him today and referred him to hospital for medical investigation.
Ds has always been so steady and straightforward (middle aged before his time really) so the lies, the deceit and secrecy is completely out of character even now he lies for no reason whatsoever over stupid stuff. So I could see him in town and mention that I'd seen him and he'd totally deny it was him. He'd say he'd been to the opticians unprompted and he didn't need specs then when I asked to see what his prescription said he'd eventually admit he'd lied.
He doesn't drink, smoke or take drugs which would at least be an explanation of some sort I suppose.
Now the psychiatrist wants blood tests and an MRI is this the norm? Obviously I'm worried about ds anyway but probably even more worried at the prospect of there being a medical reason behind it.

[NotAJammyDodger]

I have heard of people pretending to still go to work after losing their job. I know he walked out of his job but I don't think his behaviour is totally unusual tbh. I would imagine that he clearly didn't want others to know (could be due to shame, fear, denial, perceived criticism by others - a number of things), and hence the initial pretence. Perhaps he still feels very vulnerable to any form of 'scrutiny' and hence the on-going stories????

Re: Blood tests and MRI is to rule out any 'physical causes'. I have had both. There are a number of physical conditions which can mess with behaviour, hormones and mental functioning. Try not to worry, it sounds like his psychiatrist is doing a thorough investigation - which is good.

[insanityscatching]

I suppose I can understand him lying about the job in a way although it was very convoluted. He'd actually walked out of his job a fortnight before going to an interview for the imaginary job. He "worked his notice" before starting his new job. All the time he never signed on or looked for real work. He told us day to day stories of his new job all unasked for, we celebrated when he got the biggest order, we commiserated when one of his colleague's wife discovered a brain tumour, really detailed stories at the time and obviously all lies now.
If he was under scrutiny I suppose he'd have cause to lie but the opticians all came from him,when I mentioned I saw him it was more a comment I'd been in town and saw him from a distance (because I thought he might have seen me and I wanted to explain I didn't come and speak to him because I was in a rush and could see he was with friends)
As I say it is so very much out of character, he's always been pretty quiet and whilst not secretive he didn't share all the minutiae of his life now we get all sorts of information but it is on the whole lies and neither he nor I know why he does it.

[NotAJammyDodger]

It does sound like he is providing a fantasy life account to you, and perhaps may be becoming enmeshed with own fantasies. However, it is good he is seeing a psychiatrist. May be wait to see what happens on that front. You say it is out of character, so clearly something is going on. I hope you get some answers soon.