3 replies to this topic

[Mouthwash]

I have had brain fog for about three years now. It is with me when I get up, when I go back to sleep, and every moment in between. It impairs my short-term memory, concentration, and critical thinking skills. Aside from obvious harmful effects like constantly forgetting things, the brain fog has devastated my life. I can no longer read or study effectively, and I have spent weeks trying to get through a single book. Often I wonder if it wasn't always this way and that this wasn't the normal state of affairs, but I have had lucid moments- generally in times of emotional intensity- in which I could think somewhat normally again. It's like being inside of a cage, with no room to flex or stand up.

I don't know exactly why I have it. It appeared after a generally traumatic experience for me- I was sent to an ADHD camp for two weeks- but for all I know that could just be a coincidence.

Any details I should provide? Right now I'm on Zoloft, but that's for my OCD (which also impairs my ability to focus). I'm taking 50mg every day right now, but working my way up to 150 over the course of a month. It hasn't helped the brain fog at all, but it doesn't seem to have drastically increased it either.

[Tom_]

Onset of cognitive clouding as you have described is most remenicent of a depressive/anxiety disorder. You've mentioned OCD, 80% of suffers with have at least one depressive episode. Taking into account the problem appeard during stress depression is more common.

Based on the assumption its a depressive episode I would increase the dose of Sertraline every 4 weeks by 50mg until you have a response. If by week 14 (two weeks on 200mg) there is no response adjunctive cognitive behavioual therapy and/or a swap to Venlafaxine or Mirtazapine, with a 14 week trial for each.

Obviously a careful evaluation for presense of a MDE should take place. But there aren't many common causes of a clouding of conciousness and Depression reduces working memory and concentration. I'd recommend talking to your prescribing doctor about it. I assume you have had standard bloods for the OCD (BMP, C/FBC, TFT, LFTs) and they came back normal? Taking Becks depression inventory 2 http://www.ibogaine..../3639b1c_23.pdf .

Well thats my 2 cents.

[Mouthwash]

Onset of cognitive clouding as you have described is most remenicent of a depressive/anxiety disorder. You've mentioned OCD, 80% of suffers with have at least one depressive episode. Taking into account the problem appeard during stress depression is more common.

Based on the assumption its a depressive episode I would increase the dose of Sertraline every 4 weeks by 50mg until you have a response. If by week 14 (two weeks on 200mg) there is no response adjunctive cognitive behavioual therapy and/or a swap to Venlafaxine or Mirtazapine, with a 14 week trial for each.

Yeah, that definitely makes sense. I'll try to keep taking it, maybe with some Omega-3 supplements.

Obviously a careful evaluation for presense of a MDE should take place. But there aren't many common causes of a clouding of conciousness and Depression reduces working memory and concentration. I'd recommend talking to your prescribing doctor about it. I assume you have had standard bloods for the OCD (BMP, C/FBC, TFT, LFTs) and they came back normal?

I have no idea what any of these mean. Not MDE, and not the rest of it. Google search doesn't seem to turn up anything.

Taking Becks depression inventory 2 http://www.ibogaine..../3639b1c_23.pdf .

Well, I scored a 35 but I already knew I was depressed.

[Tom_]

I wouldn't bother with omega 3's there is some weak evidence they prevent suicidal behaviour but beyond that for general depressive symptoms the evidence isn't really there at all. Not to mention adding in other meds before the Sertraline is sorted can make it hard to tell what's doing what, so I would stay on the Sertraline alone until week 14.

MDE stands for major depressive episode, clouding of conciousness is the medical term for brain fog and the blood tests I mentioned are: Basic metabolic pannel (often comes under a different name or in multiple tests), Complete or full blood count, thyroid function tests and liver function tests.

35 definately suggests a depressive episode. If you can get cognitive behavioual therapy now, I'd get it. In combo with Sertraline you have a powerful antidepressant/antiobessional. Some self help techniques could really speed along recovery. Practicing mindfulness, mild to moderate exercise four times a week, practicing sleep hygine and CBT skills.