Dazed and fatigued

Posted by Lorraine on April 28, 1999 at 14:46:03
Hello
I'm 21 years old and I have been experiencing the following symptoms : Extreme fatigue, occasional loss of balence,Brain Fog and just an overall dazed feeling. I feel awkward and clumsy most of the time. I feel like I'm sleepwalking. I also have struggled with trichotillomania since I was 12,but I'm not sure if this has anything to do with how I'm feeling. I've tried paxil and prozac hoping it would help with my tired feeling, but no such luck. I don't feel clinically depressed, the only symptoms of depression I do have is lack of concentraion and trouble getting to sleep. (and even when I sleep 10 hours I wake up tired)Could this be something neurological? I asked my primary care doc that, and she said if it was I'd be loosing use of my arms and legs etc. I haven't, but I do feel dizzy and "off balence" I've had several blood tests to rule out diseases such as hypothyroidism, anemia and Lupus. Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Sincerely
Lorraine

Posted by HFHS M.D.-JK on May 03, 1999 at 21:46:53
Dear Lorraine,
The symptoms you describe could mean that you are suffering from depression.  A person does not necessarily have to 'feel' depressed to have depression.  Depression may be manifested instead by the feeling of having diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities.  The fact that you struggle with trichotillomania is another marker for possibly having depression, as trichotillomania has been known to be associated to with depressive disorders.  
It is also possible that the symptoms of being fatigued and dazed are do to a medical disorder, as such I strongly recommend that you seek a second opinion if a psychiatric cause is not evident.
I recommend that you consult with a local psychiatrist to discuss your case further.  Good luck.
To set up a confidential psychiatric consultation at Henry Ford Behavioral Services, call [phone].
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.