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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
help needed with symptoms
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
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help needed with symptoms
by R.Marie, Nov 17, 1999 12:00AM
I am experiencing severe fatigue. I fall asleep even when I have tons of things to do...things that I like to do. I used to exercise regularly and I enjoyed it so much, but now I have no energy, and when I do have a minute of free time I'm sleeping, but I don't feel like I'm sleeping by choice. I also have been experiencing some very strong head aches on occasion. I feel I am very healthy otherwise. I'm in my mid 20's, I eat well, and get plenty of night time sleep. Two of my close friends suggested depression, but I don't know what I would be depressed about. I have a great life with tons of potential for more. I'm starting to worry about all of this sleeping, because I am sleeping through hours of the day when I could be studying (I'm a college student), or exercising, or doing other things I enjoy. For example, I recently went to my first NBA game, and as a sports fan I was so excited to be there. To my horror, my husband was waking me up durring the fourth period because I had nodded off!! Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I don't want to be this tired and unenergetic all the time.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-SW, Nov 18, 1999 12:00AM
Dear R. Marie,
It must be difficult trying to function with these complains.
The symptoms you are discribing are suggestive of Clinical Depression.
Depression may present as feelings of sadness, guilt, uselessness & futility. Concentration may be impaired, & memory may suffer. A sense of losing one's mind is common. Tearfulness may be uncontrollable at times. Profound apathy/fatigue occur. Appetite disturbance may be so severe that dehydration, severe weight loss, & eventual death may occur. Suicide is a constant risk, & sleep may be thoroughly disturbed. In some cases delusions may occur.
I recommend a thorough evaluation by your physician to role out medical illness that may be contributing to your symptoms (infection, hormone and other).
Your doctor may referr you to a psychiatrist.
Fortunately treatment is available.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
It must be difficult trying to function with these complains.
The symptoms you are discribing are suggestive of Clinical Depression.
Depression may present as feelings of sadness, guilt, uselessness & futility. Concentration may be impaired, & memory may suffer. A sense of losing one's mind is common. Tearfulness may be uncontrollable at times. Profound apathy/fatigue occur. Appetite disturbance may be so severe that dehydration, severe weight loss, & eventual death may occur. Suicide is a constant risk, & sleep may be thoroughly disturbed. In some cases delusions may occur.
I recommend a thorough evaluation by your physician to role out medical illness that may be contributing to your symptoms (infection, hormone and other).
Your doctor may referr you to a psychiatrist.
Fortunately treatment is available.
Best Wishes,
HFHS M.D.-SW
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