Brain Fog

[tavius]

Hi first off apologies for what is going to be quite a long post...

I've been living for the last two years in a state of mental fatigue. I find it somewhat hard to concentrate, if someone speaks it doesn't register as well as it should and I usually find I have to ask them to repeat what they said. I could have suddenly developed a hearing problem when it comes to speech but that seems unlikely. I also find my thoughts are chaotic, disordered and unclear. I get mentally tired easily, I can't recall certain words and often forget things which should be easily remembered. It's like I walk around and live in a semi-confused state and also, since there doesn't seem to be a more succinct way of describing it, seem less intelligent. My brain seems alot less active and almost quiet now whereas previously it would constantly be thinking of different things, new possibilities...etc semi-consciously.

What makes all this harder to accept is that I was, if I may say without conceit, considered quite an articulate and perceptive person before who was able to pick up on most nuances which now elude me or occupy too much of my mental resources in considering.

I'm 20 years old and in university. I think all this started when I got really stressed two years ago and didn't really take enough care of myself. I also spent -alot- of time indoors, in my room and since I do computer science and trade shares, alot of that time was spent sitting in front of my computer. There were many times when I felt the air was getting too stuffy but didn't do anything about it unfortunately. Could I have caused serious damage to my brain by perhaps exposing myself to long durations with sub-optimum oxygen intake (though it never reaches the stage where I turn blue etc) or maybe by not giving my brain a diverse enough range of stimuli? I also noticed I took St John's Wort (Hypericum) around the time all this started but I'm not sure if that's just a coincidence.

It's worrying me because I'm due to graduate soon and it's really impacting on everything in my life whether it's the simplest of social situations, the amount of time I spend working on projects, my personal creativity and depth of thought etc... I'm not abit shaken and concerned that I may not be able to function at a decent level in society.

I was wondering if you've heard of cases like this before and whether the effects are usually permanent. I've been resting alot, taking plenty of vitamins (B & C, fish oil...etc), water and sometimes it does seem like the fatigue lessens somewhat but it's usually still there when I wake up the next morning.

Cheers

[clinicalguru3]

Thanks for the question:-

Has the possibility of ADHD been mentioned at any stage?
Do you have any of the following features? If so which?

1) Inattention

* often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in homework, work, or other activities
* often has difficulties sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
* often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
* often does not follow through instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)
* often has difficulties organizing tasks and activities
* often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental efforts
* often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books)
* is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
* is often forgetful in daily activities

2) Hyperactivity/Impulsivity

Hyperactivity

* often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
* often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
* often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
* often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
* is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"
* often talks excessively

Impulsivity

* often blurts out answers before questions have been completed
* often has difficulty awaiting turn
* often interrupt or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games)

Looking forward to hearing from you

[tavius]

Thanks for the reply

The only one of those symptoms I have is probably inattentiveness. My brain is if anything "underactive" if that makes any sense.

[clinicalguru3]

It would be useful to also ask your friends and family if they think you have any of these features (especially your parents regarding whether you were inattentive / distracted at a young age and if so from what age).

How is your mood now compared to a few years ago?

Do you drink a lot of coffee ,smoke, take any drugs, drink alcohol etc or have you in the past?