Hi, I do appreciate your concern regarding your friend. Life stress such as a broken relationship can cause us significant distress which manifests as multiple symptoms. Impaired attention and concentration is one of the manifestations. Repeatedly asking the same thing can be due to his being preoccupied with the stress. I would suggest that your friend should seek a psychiatric consultation to rule out any depressive episode (with symptoms of sadness, sleep and appetite disturbances, etc.). In case of depression, he would need anti-depressants. Otherwise, regular supportive sessions and relaxation exercises like deep breathing and progressive muscular relaxation would help him relax. Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.