Severe introversion could also be a factor. When a strong introvert is forced to socialise (especially with people they dislike) for a very long time they can overreact by cutting off the outside world, but that in turn rebounds into needing to make connections again, but they tend to overdo it, making a nasty feedback cycle. The best way out, is to build a small social circle and limit contact, which conveniently, is exactly what is happening to him now, and should help him stabilise again should that be the case, though that noble and the constant life threatening attacks is probably not helping.