Steelgirl,
Yes RSD does affect emotional states.
I've started many fights with my wife. For no reason! I've learned to control my anger better but I can feel inside I have far less tolerance and fly off the handle easily. My wife just the other day was telling me how she feels like she has to walk on eggshells.
That happened mostly during my flare ups or when I forgot to take my meds. Now she always asking me if I took them (lol). I also keep my sense of humor.
Your hubby sounds like maybe his RSD is rearing its' ugly head again and he shouldn't keep away from help. Most people I know of when a having a re-bout after a period of remission it hits harder than the first time.
I don't like the idea of taking meds the rest of my life or having RSD for that matter. But like one doctor told me "is it what it is".
Hope my little bit of rambling helps...