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What Causes Poor Momory?

Posted on Fri, 31 Oct 2014

Question: At work sometimes I forget directions that are given to me. I can be told 2-3 and still forget. My boss causes
After awhile I do remember what was said. The position I am in at work the clerical work is very similar but different from my former job that I was in a year ago. One supervisor I work for involves more memorizing and I do great. The other supervisor, the one that makes me nervous, work isn't hard--but I forget what she says sometimes.
I feel anxious around this was boss of mine--can that cause forgetfulness. The college HR feels is forcing me to go and see a psychologist to be evaluated on memory. One day is an evaluation; the next day is an eight hour memory test. From what I am explained what do you think? Is any kind of memory loss considered a psychiatric problem?

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Pseudo dementia

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query.

I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.

The kind of memory problem that you are having where in you have some memory issues with one boss while not much with the other and also that you get hold of the things after some time suggests that the the memory loss in your case id due to pseudo dementia. Its a psychiatric issue and has something to do with your depression or anxiety . Its not the actual memory loss that one encounters in dementia.
After evaluation they will be confirming this thing and they may suggest you to take some relaxation therapy with the psychologist. Also you may go ahead with some regular yoga or meditation. If at all medicines are required, escitalopram or venlafaxine may be considered for you if things done improve with therapy.

Hope I am able to answer your concerns.

If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.

If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.

In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:

bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy

Wish you good health,

Kind regards

Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (1 hour later)

Is a eight hour test necessary? Isn't one visit to see a psychologist enough?
Are psychologists MDs. Can they prescribe medication?Can a family doctor be seen and diagnosis the problem and treat it with medication if necessary? I have seen the same doctor for 20 years. He is
familiar with my history and knows all the medications I am on.

I started jogging again. Exercise is good for anything when it comes to a person's health.

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Necessary for objective testing

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for the followup.

Psychologist is not a doctor. Psychiatrist is a doctor and hence cannot prescribe medicines. Psychologist can administer tests for memory testing and these tests take time. Usually it takes around 4-5 hours. You can see a psychiatrist for an opinion and medicines if any. However if your workplace officials need objective measurement of your memory issues then you need to see a psychologist. I would suggest not to go ahead with your family doctor.

Hope this helps

kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (13 minutes later)

I would think taking a eight hours test would cause anxiety. As the hours pass, I would imagine, I person wouldn't be able to stay focused. Wouldn't you agree?

If I had what you think I have, would that make me incapable of doing my job, and have to move to less demanding job?

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pseudodementia is treatable

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for the follow up. You may be asked to continue the same job profile. However you may asked to seek treatment and things will improve with treatment.
Do you take alcohol or any other substance. In that case you may be asked to stop that as well.
Hope this helps
kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Srikanth Reddy (9 hours later)

I am on the following medications. Do any of these help Pseudo Dementia

Bupropion HCL SR
Alproazolam
Cymbalta 60 mg
Buspirone
Lamotrigine

Thank you,

Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Yes s bupropion and symbalta does help pseudodementia. Alprazolam generally worsens cognitive functions and pseudodementia.
kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD

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