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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Forgetfulness And Difficulty In Focusing?

I am 59 years old. For several months i have been constantly talking to myself in my head. I can't seem to shut it off. Therefore, i am "very forgetful" and i am constantly misplacing items ... bank card, sunglasses ... the list goes on and on. Even when i try to stay focused as i am trying to find lost items, it nearly impossible. Please help.jewel
Mon, 12 Jan 2015
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Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Symptoms like constantly talking in head, forgetfulness, difficulties in doing tasks, poor focus can occur due to anxiety or depression. At your age early onset of cognitive impairment is other possibility. Consult a psychiatrist for evaluation of your symptoms and to confirm diagnosis. For such symptoms antidepressants like Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine etc can help. These medicines will help to reduce depression and will help to improve focus. Visit a psychiatrist for prescription.

Vitamin B12 supplements, Omega 3 Fatty Acids supplements also helps to reduce the symptoms and help in depression. Cognitive therapy also have roles in managing such symptoms.

Thanks, hope this helps you.
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Psychiatrist Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar's  Response
Hello and thanks for writing in.

I understand that you must be quite distressed by your problems of forgetfulness and difficulty in focussing. Now, these symptoms are commonly seen in conditions like depression, stress or anxiety disorders. Especially, since you have mentioned that you keep talking to yourself in the head, it is likely that your symptoms could be anxiety-related. Rarely, these symptoms could be due to a neurological disorder like Dementia, but considering your age and nature of symptoms, I would think that this is very unlikely in your case.

What I would recommend for you is to consult a psychiatrist and have a detailed psychological assessment in order to confirm the diagnosis. If your symptoms are due to an anxiety disorder, then you may require anti anxiety medication and psychological therapy to help you overcome your problems.

I would also suggest that you avoid stress and practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, etc.as these can definitely help you to calm your mind and focus better.Avoid caffeine, alcohol or any other substances which are likely to worsen your symptoms. Keeping yourself engaged as much as possible will also help.

Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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What Causes Forgetfulness And Difficulty In Focusing?

Hello thanks for asking from HCM Symptoms like constantly talking in head, forgetfulness, difficulties in doing tasks, poor focus can occur due to anxiety or depression. At your age early onset of cognitive impairment is other possibility. Consult a psychiatrist for evaluation of your symptoms and to confirm diagnosis. For such symptoms antidepressants like Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine etc can help. These medicines will help to reduce depression and will help to improve focus. Visit a psychiatrist for prescription. Vitamin B12 supplements, Omega 3 Fatty Acids supplements also helps to reduce the symptoms and help in depression. Cognitive therapy also have roles in managing such symptoms. Thanks, hope this helps you.