Cognitive Problems

I'm in a bipolar depression, and one of my main problems seems to be that I can't think straight, memory is worse, can't decide what I want to do next, my thinking seems sort of foggy. Do others with depression have this type of cognitive impairment?

It kind of freaks me out because I don't know what the treatment is for that. I've never had cognitive problems this bad with depression before. I think it's more than just mood; there are some cognition problems going on.

Can anyone relate?

It, also, could be one of your medications doing it. I am working myself off Seroquel and I think it was doing that to me. I seem to be better.

Gayle, I'm glad you're doing better off the Seroquel. I was wondering if it could be a medication SE too for me. I wonder if it's too much klonopin or saphris. How will my pdoc be able to figure this out? The cognitive state I'm in is very troubling to me. I normally can focus clearly, am very sharp and have a good memory. I see my new pdoc next Wednesday and will definitely have to mention this to him.

Benzos are renowned for causing memory problems, but I don't find it does for me. I do find my depression causes cognitive problems for me though. My pdoc said it was like a computer with too little RAM, the info is in the brain but you struggle to access it.

I don't have any answers as to how to improve it, I'm afraid, but know that you're not the only one with this issue

*Willow*

I have trouble thinking and focusing if I don't get enough Omega-3 fatty acids. I did some research on the subject and found that for the average American diet, the ratio of Omega-3 fatty acids to Omega-6 fatty acids is way too skewed in favor of Omega-6 fatty acids--which is very unhealthy.

So if nothing else works, try eating more salmon or taking some fish oil capsules. The Japanese have significantly lower rates of depression--note that fish is one of the main staples of the Japanese diet. Keep that in mind too.

Thanks Willow. Not happy about your cognitive problems but relieved to hear I'm not alone or some freak. Of course I was catastrophizing (sp?) the whole situation and wondering if it's early Alzheimer's or some sort of permanent cognitive decline. Hopefully improvement will come for me with a med adjustment and/or the depression lifting.

I have been having some memory and cognitive issues with my depression as well. The worst one that is troubling me is my memory and my inability to focus or concentrate.

I am not currently taking any medications for depression but I have started to see a Psychiatrist in addition to my current therapist who might put me on something in the future. She has not diagnosed me yet, aside from recurrent severe depression and the possibility for Borderline Personality Disorder and Bipolar. I did not know you could have both. So honestly I am not an expert but it might just be a part of the territory with severe depression. I have had several bouts of depression off and on in the past and throughout life and this time in particular seems to include severe cognitive and concentration issues. I wonder why this is.

I can very much relate. My memory has been total crap for a few years now. I figured it was due to several suicide attempts, but after a LOT of testing (including neuro psych) everything came back find 'physically'.

What they told me is that I have "Psychomotor retardation". I have to admit - that I literally laughed out loud when I was told I was retarded. Sorry if this offends anyone - but it sounded funny to me.

What it MEANS is everything is slowed down dramatically due to the depression. It is temporary as you go through your depression.

Hope that helped.

I can relate, because when I am in my depressive cycle, I can't think straight and have problems with memory. Also my consentration goes Ptewy! The only treatment for it is to be properly medicated. Which I am not right now.

Bipolar has more to it than just mood change. I get physically slowed down and can't think or remember words. I can't plan my day. I can't choose what to eat off a menu. I get all kinds of symptoms.

RR18, this describes me perfectly. I have never felt this out of control in my life. I think it's a combo of depression, high anxiety, cognition problems - - this down phase is running the gamut (ap?) and it's very hard for me to cope.

This was very interesting for me to read because this is VERY much me. Has always been to some extent me, but especially right now. I was just told I might possibly have bipolar. (I just saw a psychiatrist on Tuesday) I have been put on a low dose of Lamictal to see if this helps my mood issues and depression. Now I am wondering if I do actually have bipolar, esp because these decision making and concentration issues have been especially bad lately (or is it just symptoms of major depression?) I have a VERY hard time picking food off a menu or deciding where to eat or what to do with myself. Some days I drive one place and change my mind and go to another, just to drive back to another place, its very strange, this indecisiveness. I also multi-task badly. I start doing many things at once, and have issues finishing one task at a time or something. I have always had memory issues, remembering names of movies, shows, or even just people's names. I thought it was just me being dumb with my bad memory, but lately it has definitely been worse.

I just finished going through my book The Bipolar Workbook by Monica Ramirez Basco PhD, and there is a whole chapter dedicated to coping with with cognitive processing problems (ch 10), it was really good. It talks about the different problems faced when in depression or in mania. I would suggest looking that up for suggestions for help.