I was recently diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I am 37 yr old female with no history of mental health issues. I have been having a lot of problems with concentrating and focusing while trying to do everyday things not to mention trying to work. I also have a hard time recalling information at times that I know I know! On top of this I have noticed issues with holding conversations that I will either say a word incorrectly or unable to come up with the correct word to use. Is this part of the depression and anxiety? Is it from the stress? I've had tests and they all came back with no abnormalities. I'm on Prozac currently after trying numerous other meds which did not help. They seemed to make me feel worse and intensify the concentration issues! Please help!
Has anyone experienced concentration, focusing, memory problems due to depression or anxiety?
Question posted by Jaleya on 20 March 2012
Last updated on 25 February 2023 by Happy-day
13 Answers
Omg I feel like you are telling my exact life story! I'm so sorry to hear your story but talking about it and not feeling ashamed to speak on this topic I think helps me to not feel alone. Thank you for telling yours. Have you tried Effexor? It's the only medication that I have not had any negative side effects from.
I had all of those issues -- inability to concentrate, brain fog, serious memory issues, crippling inability to learn, to write, to communicate, major disengagement, anhedonia etc., but antidepressants didn't help me. I'm not sure about you, but my symptoms were also physical -- bloating, constipation, a patch of non-itchy dry skin on my right hand, weird-looking stools, sensitivities to certain foods. Digestive enzymes have massively helped me with all of the above. I've also adopted a paleo lifestyle, cut out nuts (which really hurt me) and (although I was hesitant after my crappy experience with every other pill I've taken in the past) started taking a fair few supplements (magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K2, l-glutamine, quercetin, probiotics). Leaky gut is a thing. Swimming regularly -- especially outdoor swimming (and especially in the dead of winter) -- has also really helped.
I'll be honest, I'm not totally better, but in the last few months since discovering all of this, I'm making major improvement. Any road, antidepressants weren't the answer for me. They just masked everything.
I think I've cracked it! I was developing sensitivities to paleo-approved foods as well (not just nuts, but now also tomatoes and peppers), and later found out that I have significantly elevated TPO antibodies; my thyroid was still producing normal amounts of thyroid hormone, but my body was attacking my thyroid gland. Slowly, over time, that might develop into hypo- or hyperthyroidism :/ I panicked, but there wasn't really any need. I transitioned to the autoimmune protocol ("AIP") which helped a lot with my gut issues (it's a temporary diet (that must be strictly adhered to in order to make progress!) for people trying to reverse autoimmune diseases). I did everything to cut down on toxins, particularly as I was still having difficulty digesting fat, and particularly because they collect very easily in the thyroid gland. That meant I never ever ate tuna. I also now understand the importance of buying organic.
I then read about how thyroid issues can be triggered by hormonal imbalances, particularly oestrogen dominance (I'd had a very bad experience with birth control in the past), so I ditched a few of the other supplements in place of 100mg/day of DIM and calcium D-glucarate supplements. Very quickly (within a few weeks) the brain fog and physical issues were all gone! I also cut out conventional cosmetics (including suncream, deodorant and make-up!) as far as possible, partly because they also interfere with healthy oestrogen levels, and partly because of the toxins issue. My TPO antibodies are almost back to normal and I feel wonderful! I've also gotten into spiritual literature, Eckhart Tolle's work in particular. I'm trying to trust life. I really hope you're well and happy.
DIM supplements, calcium d-glucarate. Turned out it was an issue of oestrogen dominance for me.
Greetings, i suffer from this condition that i didn't know about and
been on prescribed medicine (Pristiq and mirtripzipine)i feel invincible less to worry about
and build my bridge and get over it all the time with out fuss!
Jaleya, I'm from Brasil, so forgive me for my not so good English. I hope you've have found solution to your problem and is much better now. The reason I'm writing here is because I've been taking Paroxetine for many years. It did wonders to my Panic Disorder, but after a few years of use I've been experiencing the symptoms you described before, like forgetting to pay bills on due date for example, or forgetting the begining of a book that I'm reading or incapable to remember the last season of a show I follow. I keep looking the internet about it because this concerns me much. Did your symptoms disappear? Have you heard from any doctor about the relation of SSRI medicine and those symptoms?
I had fallen into a pretty bad depression when I was 19 ... and had very similar symptoms ... not suicidal, still semi-functioning, still going to class mostly, able to socialize with close friends sometimes ...
But not myself and constantly full of doubt. I would say hello to a cashier at the grocery store and wonder if I had said it loud enough -- just ridiculously, painfully self-aware of every little detail of my life. I found it excruciating to answer questions about myself -- e.g. a new friend had asked me what kind of music I liked, and I could barely answer.
I was in a transitional period, lots of possibilty and lots of uncertainty. I felt paralyzed almost.
I went to therapy and started on 20mg of Paxil, which did WONDERS. I could finally speak fluidly again. I had more drive and focus than I'd had pre-depression -- I actually got organized and studied for exams. It worked very well for me. I did sleep more, but I also got way more done during the day. I gained about 8 pounds but that reversed once I started working out regularly and cutting out some calories.
I have had similar problems. Also, sometimes I felt like I couldn't talk, or it wasn't me talking.
Hi Jaleya,
Yes, I have recently (last year) problems concentrating, focusing and multitasking. I have never had this problem! I did some research. I thought it was menopause but I had issures with sorting which is a form of ADHD. I took the online quiz and had my doctor prescribe me Adderall. The medication is Great! I feel very calm and in control. Very productive now. I work in Risk Mgmt. I Must concentrate. Hope this help you.
I think it is par for the course I think its something like this your appetite is to where you eat more than usual or you tend not to eat but like a bird, I also think the same can apply to things like energy when you are frazzled with nervous tension I think then there are days that you just don't feel like doing a thing. I think thats why when patients are placed on medications that are meant to work for them that they see vast improvements. I wish you only the very best of luck and hope that you find the medication that works for you! Caringsonbj (Billy)
Dear Jaleya,
Before I got stabilized on the right medications, I suffered the exact symptoms you are describing. As another person mentioned. I too was hospitalized for it too, due to it getting so bad. Yes, it can cause multiple things to happens. Forgetting things, as you mentioned. Difficulty at work. Not being able to communicate with others. Not to mention what it can do to your body as a whole. I have been in your shoes before, where other medications didn't help. This is where you have to strongly communicate with you're doctor that their simply not working for you. If you're doctor continue's not to listen... you may need to find one who will listen to you. I'm no expert when it comes to allot of things, but I know what stress and anxiety is all about. It is no walk in the park. I feel for you. You need to get the help you deserve. So you can start feeling better. I hope this happens very soon for you. Keep us updated, and know we are here to help if you need us. I wish you nothing but peace and happiness. Best wishes. Ruth
I just wanted to add that any medication will take a little time to work. You have to be patient your body too. Ruth
Ruthie, I didn't get your PQ, did you email or PQ? Call me if you want. Lisa Z.
Jaleya, in my experience the depression and anxiety can contribute to the symptoms you mentioned. I know well the feeling of not being able to find that word or feeling like a thought is there but just out of your reach. I go through phases with this, Some days are better than others and like someone else said the more you worry about it the more it happens. I wouldn't worry too much the meds should help. Just be careful to be vocal to your doctor about any side effects you may experience and educate yourself thoroughly on what you are taking. If the symptoms seem to worsen or they are really interfering with your life be sure to let the doctor know and maybe follow up on other things that can be causing this to happen. Otherwise, stay well and if you can't think of a word use another one! I am not trying to minimize your illness, just your anxiety! Keep in touch, we are always here for support. Lisa Z.
Has your doctor talked to you about the possibility of early onset Alzheimer's or dementia? I know it's not something one wants to hear, but it's also not something you want to deal with later than necessary. I know it is possible to have a mid-life onset of depression, but the symptoms you've described so far make me wonder. Please let me know if you have questions about this. I know quite a bit about it due to school research and also personal curiosity.
As for the Prozac effects, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR right away. No matter what the correct diagnosis is, these kinds of medications should not be taken lightly and should not be stopped/started on a whim. Discuss your concerns with your doctor and be as open and honest as possible. If they don't know everything that's going on, they can't help you to the best of their ability.
Let me know what you think.
-B
Hi Jelaya,
Yes, this happens to different degrees depending how bad your depression and anxiety is. I had a major depression and was hospitalized. I stoped talking when I was there except for doctors and nurses because I could not remember one sentence to another. I was really bad. But now that the doctors found the right meds for the anxiety/major depression I am fine, I can remember everything like before. The harder you try to remember the more anxiety you make. So try to relax and not fret over it, once you get better it comes back.
Hello Jaleya. Yes of course. Depression, anxiety, stress will certainly contribute on your cognitive abilities. Stress and anxiety are known to interfer with your concentration, thinking abilities. You might be suffering also from ADHD. If you're just beginning to take Prozac, you could be going through some of the common side effects to taking the drug. Increased irritability and anxiety to name a few. Regards, pledge
Related topics
paxil, prozac, depression, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety and stress
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
