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Suggest Treatment For Mental Fogginess And Loss Of Interest In Life
Question: The mental health literature on depression never describes the main symptom I have suffered: a continuous physical feeling of being partially sedated, drugged, wooly-headed, foggy (though no cognitive impairment). I have had few other symptoms, though the sedated sensation carries with it an inability to fully enjoy life or look forward to things. My psychiatrists, who have given me antidepressant treatment, say that, yes, patients describe depression as I have, but clinical descriptions never include this symptom. ( I have had scans and MRIs). Is the symptom I have described fairly common to depression sufferers?
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX (I'm guessing this is your name!) and thanks for the question.
The symptom you describe is something I have seen in patients with depression before. The term "mental fogginess" is something I have heard often when patients describe the physical sensations of depression. Especially as this sensation is coupled with anhedonia (loss of interest/enjoyment in things), I think this could be a primary manifestation of depression, to answer your question.
There are some other things that can cause this of which I would ask you to be mindful. If this is a new symptom, and not something you have experienced with previous depressive episodes in your lifetime, I would take a close look at recent medication changes. Ironically, when antidepressants are first started they can sometimes cause this sensation. Conversely, withdrawal from an antidepressant that has been stopped can also mimic this feeling. You say there are no cognitive elements here, which I as a treater would confirm with a MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). A normal MRI is reassuring as you mention.
I'm pleased to have you as my virtual patient. Feel free to ask me anything else that comes to mind!
My private direct link on this site is:
XXXX
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX (I'm guessing this is your name!) and thanks for the question.
The symptom you describe is something I have seen in patients with depression before. The term "mental fogginess" is something I have heard often when patients describe the physical sensations of depression. Especially as this sensation is coupled with anhedonia (loss of interest/enjoyment in things), I think this could be a primary manifestation of depression, to answer your question.
There are some other things that can cause this of which I would ask you to be mindful. If this is a new symptom, and not something you have experienced with previous depressive episodes in your lifetime, I would take a close look at recent medication changes. Ironically, when antidepressants are first started they can sometimes cause this sensation. Conversely, withdrawal from an antidepressant that has been stopped can also mimic this feeling. You say there are no cognitive elements here, which I as a treater would confirm with a MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment). A normal MRI is reassuring as you mention.
I'm pleased to have you as my virtual patient. Feel free to ask me anything else that comes to mind!
My private direct link on this site is:
XXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Thanks very much for the reassuring answer. I may have a followup question or two.
Brief Answer:
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome. Ask me anytime!
XXXX
Follow-up
Detailed Answer:
You're very welcome. Ask me anytime!
XXXX
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
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