Resolved question:
Hi,
I am wondering if PTSD has done anything to memory.......At least that is what I think my problem is...For example, about a month ago I left my car running in my drive way for over 4 hours. I had no idea I had got out of the car without my keys. Thinking I was just stressed I didn't think anything of it....Well, I have don't that twice since and one time I left it running while in the store and looked around the store for over an hour trying to find my keys. Then last week I left my faucet running and it ended up flooding my whole kitchen and some of my basement. I didn't even know it had happened until my friend came over and saw it. I was so embarrassed I blamed one of my kids who had just left. I knew I had just did the dishes a few hours before though. I can't remember where my phone is, my keys, phone numbers, dates for anything. My husband says I ask him the same questions over and over and I really don't remember asking...Sometimes I will remember asking but I wont remember what he answered. Sometimes I do this 4 or 5 times a day he says. It's starting to scare me. I have left our stove and oven on also. Could anyone tell what could cause this? I am not stressed, at least not to point of forgot things the way I am. I have always done well in school, and have never had this issue before. I'm starting to get really embarrassed by it. I am 30 years old. I have PTSD but it is under control and I have never used drugs.
A friend said that I might have a TBI but I don't see how that is possible. Since the abuse (PTSD) was years and years ago. I was abused to the point of blacking out two time, that I can remember. How would I know if it is from that or from anything else? I honestly feel like a 90 year old lady. I am noticing I am even forgetting how to spell. I have a 4 year degree with a GPA of 3.76.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Psychiatrist
Hello,
Thanks for choosing Doctor Spring for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
From the kind of history that you have stated it appears that you are having pseudo-dementia. Its not a true dementia, but occurs mostly due to an underlying depression. Its very common in depression and is obviously very distressing. It improves with medications such as escitalopram, fluoxetine, mirtazapine etc. Along with that there is an option of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness. Mindfulness meditation also helps.
There is a very rare possibility of TBI causing such a problem with forgetfulness. You may get an MRI done to identify if there is an element of brain damage.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
Wish you good health,
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.