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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Methods To Handle Depression

Hello. I have been depressed with suicidal thoughts for many years. I have never talked to a doctor about this and I have never been prescribed any medication for it. That's not what I want to ask though, but I thought it might be relevant. Lately my short-term memory has started getting worse and I have started getting OCDs. It's mainly checking OCDs, meaning that I have to check several times that I actually closed the fridge door properly or whatever because I don't remember that I did or I do remember but I don't trust my memory. I just have to check again to be sure. This is gradually getting worse and there are more and more things I have to check. I'm guessing this is a result of my short term memory getting worse. What could these symptoms mean and should I be seriously worried about them?
Thu, 12 Jun 2014
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hi,

I read your query and can understand your concern regarding your symptoms. Your problem of repeatedly having doubts that you haven't done a thing properly and then repeatedly checking it again and again suggest that you are having obsessions and compulsions respectively.

As rightly mentioned by you, It is termed OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). However, it is not die to any memory impairment. It is an independent disorder on its own which is characterised by obsessions. In addition to doubts and repeated checking, a person of OCD can also have other symptoms like repeated thoughts of being dirty and repeated washing and cleaning, fear of harm, sexual or religious obsessions, etc.

You should seek a psychiatric consultation immediately as without treatment, your symptoms can only get worse. You would need treatment with medication like fluvoxamine which will also help with your depressive symptoms. In addition, treatment with psychotherapy in form of exposure and response prevention would also help. It consists of regular sessions focusing on relaxation and behavioural changes.

Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.
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Suggest Methods To Handle Depression

Hi, I read your query and can understand your concern regarding your symptoms. Your problem of repeatedly having doubts that you haven t done a thing properly and then repeatedly checking it again and again suggest that you are having obsessions and compulsions respectively. As rightly mentioned by you, It is termed OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). However, it is not die to any memory impairment. It is an independent disorder on its own which is characterised by obsessions. In addition to doubts and repeated checking, a person of OCD can also have other symptoms like repeated thoughts of being dirty and repeated washing and cleaning, fear of harm, sexual or religious obsessions, etc. You should seek a psychiatric consultation immediately as without treatment, your symptoms can only get worse. You would need treatment with medication like fluvoxamine which will also help with your depressive symptoms. In addition, treatment with psychotherapy in form of exposure and response prevention would also help. It consists of regular sessions focusing on relaxation and behavioural changes. Hope this information was helpful. Best wishes.