HELP...CAN'T CONCENTRATE, VERY IRRITABLE, I FEEL USELESS!

I am a 35 year old wife and mom of two BEAUTIFUL little girls.  Not sure what happened or when, but I'm VERY frustrated! I have been to more pshycologists, psychiatrists, therapists, even had 10 ECT (electro convulsive treatments), etc...,and my anxiety is out of control.  I used to be so BRIGHT, SMART, WITTY, ORGANIZED, GREAT MULTI-TASKER, now...I can't concentrate on aNYTHING!!! I have been diagnosed with ADD and depression, so I am on Vyvanse and Pamelor.  I don't smoke, drink, take drugs, nothing "bad", I go to church, I'm a good person, I just am NEVER happy and it's a shame because I have soooooo much to be happy for! I feel like my head is ALL OVER THE PLACE, I have been diagnosed with EVERYTHING and have tried all of the meds out there, you name it, i was probably on it...I've tried, Zoloft, Prozax, Topamax, Valium, Lorazapam, Lexapro, Paxil, and much more...nothing seems to work...Now my biggest concern is the memory and the lack of concentration! My husbnd will tell me a story and 2minutes later i ask him a question about what he was just talking bout and he just responds with, "didn't you hear a word I said?", he is completely right! I cant' keep a job because of my memory and lack of concentration! My girls deserve a mom that imore active with them, that does things with them, other than sitting around in the house...i don't really like going out much...i get an anxiety attack when i know i have to go somewhere, but that NEVER used to be like me before!!!! I don't know where else to turn to, like i mentioned, i have been to dozens of doctors and i just don't know where else to turn! God bless whoever can bring me "contentment"...tthat's all i want...

[remar]

Memory problems are not uncommon when you have anxiety and depression. Have you had any medical testing done, thyroid, hormones, anything like that? How long ago did all of this start?

[Red_Star]

Electro convulsive treatments is notorious for causing memory loss (can be permanent).

Cognitive dysfunction (or brain fog) is defined as unusually poor mental function, associated with confusion, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating.

Causes of brain fog include:

* Deficiency states: "The brain requires many nutrients, including protein, high-quality fats and starches, many vitamins and two dozen or more minerals.  Among the most important nutrients are calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, iodine, L-glutamine, L-taurine, choline, thiamine, B6, B12 and other B-complex vitamins.  Others are the omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and in fact all of the vitamins."

* Excessive levels of other trace elements such as iron, manganese, chromium, calcium, magnesium

* Copper imbalance

* Vegetarian diets are high in copper and low in zinc, a mineral that balances copper  

* Insomnia / sleep deprivation

* Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)

* Candidiasis

* Fibromyalgia

* Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

* Viral and other infections  - epstein barr, lyme disease, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus, trichina worms or cysts from consuming pig products, fish tapeworm eggs and other parasitic organisms, toxic bacteria from root canals and cavitations

* Heavy metal toxicity - mercury, aluminum, cadmium, lead or other metals

* Reduced blood flow to the brain due to circulatory problems

* Blood sugar issues such as hypoglycemia or diabetes

* MSG

* Nutrasweet (also labeled as Equal, Canderel, Spoonful, aspartame, aspartic acid, neotame or phenylalanine) -  found in over 5000 products including prescription medication, vitamins, toothpaste, breath mints, diet products

* Problems with the endocrine system. The endocrine system includes the pituitary gland, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenal glands, pancreas, ovaries (in women) and testes (in men). Example of some conditions include hypothyroidism, adrenal fatigue, hyperparathyroidism (causes high blood calcium levels).

* Allergies and food intolerances such as gluten and lactose

* Drinking too little water or the wrong type of water  
            
* Leaky gut syndrome  

* Constipation / bowel toxicity

* Menopause

* Stress

* Depression

* Mental or emotional conflicts, unresolved traumas or other psychological causes

* Sick building syndrome (fumes from new carpets, paints, insulation, chipboard, wood treatments, pesticides, carbon monoxide, poor ventilation)

* Pregnancy

* Chemotherapy and certain medications

* Electrical fields

* Reduced oxygen to the brain

* Chiropractic subluxations  

* Other illnesses such as a brain tumour, epilepsy, meningitis or encephalitis

* Brain injury

* Vision problems

* Dyslexia and autism

* Emotional conditions such as neuroses, paranoia or mental fixations

* Too much sweating during exercise

* Poor circulation to the brain due to low blood pressure or arteriosclerosis

* Kidney problems