HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Difficulty In Concentrating, Reading And Writing Creatively?

Posted on Wed, 30 Sep 2015

Question: Hi all,

I'm due back to see my regular psychiatrist today.
He has been withholding a return to work letter since 8/31, pending this visit with him. I have not worked since then as a result.

I'm unsure how to start a conversation with him about two topics: that I'm currently experiencing problems concentrating, reading, writing creatively.
That I stopped medications he proscribed me including blood pressure medication over six weeks ago. I sleep considerably better and am more alert. But, this writing thing is hitting me hard (I have a BA in communications) also, there are days where I just plain feel like a dumbed down version of my former self since being on the medications.

I was also supposed to be taking a high blood pressure medicine. But, my BP has been normal since being off of it.

I still need help and I'm honestly scared about what to do next? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please provide more details about your problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern but to comment more on your case I need more details of the symptoms. You are on Lithium Carbonate, Zyprexa (Olanzapine) and Escitalopram. Out of these drugs Zyprexa and Lithium are mood stabilisers and Escitalopram is an antidepressant drug. You started the treatment in 2011.

Your current complaints are difficulty in concentrating, writing and reading. Poor focus and concentration can occur due to a number of reasons. Persisting symptoms of depression could be the possible reason. In a lot of patients of depression (more than 50%) low vitamin B12 levels cause poor focus and aggravate depression. So taking Vitamin B12 should supplement the actions.

You have stopped the blood pressure medicines but BP is normal now, still I would advise you to check the BP regularly and if it comes in abnormal range then start the medicines again.

Please provide me details of your symptoms-

How they started? Who advised you to go to hospital for admission? What were main symptoms 4 years back? How medicines acted in your case? Whether you were feeling better in last 4 years or symptoms were persisting? What are the main presenting symptoms apart from lack of focus, which are bothering you? Any bad ideas or suicidal ideation?

Please provide me details in follow up and also mention any other doubts you are having.

Thanks, Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (3 hours later)

I was admitted in 2015 due to an instance of self harm and depression. I went to the hospital on my own and didn't realize that I would be admitted.

The crisis worker and Er doctor didn't feel comfortable sending me home. So I went to a psych facility.

After stopping the medicines, I feel like I am more attentive, sleep better and am willing to exercise.

My chief complaint is the ability to focus--reading deeply and writing.

The problems with focusing and reading/writing have manifested for a few months now. I want to get rid of this brain fog I have never experienced prior to being on these medications.

After stopping the meds, Zyprexa especially, my emotions returned. I could think independently again.

I hope this answers what you are looking for? Thank you, sir.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Depression might cause loss of focus and brain fog like symptoms.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again and thanks for asking a follow up question

If your current issues are related to focus and concentration only then Zyprexa can be stopped. The drug might increase drowsiness and may result in brain fog like symptoms in high doses.

To improve focus in patients of depression some medicines like Modafinil, Armodafinil are found to be very useful. These medicines result in improvement of focus and have actions comparable to amphetamines. Armodafinil have even strong actions in depression. You can consult your psychiatrist and ask about prescription of this drug.

I would also advise you to take B12 supplements as I have mentioned in my last answer also.

Your symptoms and history suggest depression and in depression loss of focus and concentration are common complaints. With proper medicines these brain fog like symptoms will decrease.

Thanks, Still have more doubts please don't hesitate to ask again. Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (35 minutes later)

You would advise b-12 supplements? What about fish oil or amino acids?

I am feeling considerably better not being on so much medication. It's only the lingering brain fog, focus when reading and writing I'm experiencing.

I am in the process of switching doctors as well. I

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes Salmon, Sardine fish are rich source of fatty acids.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

Fish Oils rich in OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDs will also help to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Salmon, Sardine fish are rich sources of these fatty acids. Stick to your treatment and take diet rich in proteins and complex carbs and low in fats. This will help to improve the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)

I will give them a try. I was far more debilitated taking the Lexapro, Lithium and Zyprexa at once.

If I could only get back to writing and reading how I like, I would no longer have a need to see a doctor.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks and take care

Detailed Answer:
Thanks, Try to follow what I have mentioned and this will help to improve the focus.

Take care

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar