The wife of a missing millionaire who founded an Internet software security company said he was panicked and paranoid for three months before vanishing from the Princess Kaiulani Hotel in Waikiki June 30.

Steven Thomas was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in April, and was anxious about the poor performance of his investment portfolio and discussions about moving back to Colorado full-time, his wife, Candis Burton Thomas, said at a news conference yesterday.

Candis Thomas 38, said she and her husband, who controls a fortune estimated at $50 million, were scheduled to return to their summer home in Boulder, Colo., on June 27.

On June 26, Steven Thomas, creator of Webroot Software, the company that created the Spy Sweeper and Window Washer programs, packed a suitcase and said he was going to stay with his mother and cousin at the Princess Kaiulani Hotel.

"He had been saying for the last few weeks that he wanted to take some space," his wife said yesterday. "When he took off I thought that's what he had done. He's just been in a delusional state. I'm afraid that he's afraid because he's hiding from everyone right now.

"I really want to appeal to anyone who may have seen my husband. He's a sweet, wonderful person. I am pretty much beside myself. I am beyond desperate."

Candis Thomas flew to Boulder June 27 and said she spoke to her husband on the phone the next day.

"His last words were, 'I love you, I miss you, I want to come to Boulder to be with you,' " she said.

On June 30, Steven Thomas told his family he was going to the bathroom, then disappeared from the hotel.

The couple own a "winter home" on Mokulua Drive in Lanikai, Candis Thomas said.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in a person's mood, energy, and ability to function, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

"We are grieving and we just want to get my brother back," said Kevin Thomas, Steven's identical twin brother.

Steven Thomas was arrested April 27 and taken to the Castle Hospital after he ran naked into the middle of a race/walk in front of his home in Lanikai. He was upset about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and was convinced that aliens and the government were out to get him, his wife said. He repeatedly refused medication and medical attention.

He spoke of government helicopters flying overhead and said that he and his wife were being poisoned with "mind control" gas.

"He needs professional help. He's been in this state of suffering from severe illness," said Candis Thomas. "If he doesn't get the medical help he needs this could be a mess."

Prior to the diagnosis, Candis Thomas described her husband as a "totally normal, happy" guy who loved fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities.

Steven Thomas is 6 feet 2 and 180 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes, police said. He was last seen wearing a green T-shirt and walking shorts.

Candis Thomas, and Steven Thomas' mother and cousin are on O'ahu working with Ho-nolulu police and a private investigator.

Kevin Thomas and a cousin have been combing Hawai'i beach parks from Wai'anae to Kailua, handing out flyers featuring a picture of Steven Thomas. Neighbors and friends have been brandishing flashlights and searching the Kailua and Lanikai areas at night.

Candis Thomas said she is convinced her husband is on the Windward side.

Steven Thomas, who was born and raised in Kenosha, Wis., has not used his credit or debit cards since June 30, and no money is missing from any of the bank accounts he shares with his wife.

Honolulu police have no leads, but said callers have reported seeing Steven Thomas during the last several days.

"He's a step ahead of us. If you spot someone, even if you (only) think it's him, call us," said police Sgt. Kim Buffet. "He could be anywhere."