![]() |
|
June 21st, 2011
10:23 AM ET
Can depression cause inability to focus?Every weekday, a CNNHealth expert doctor answers a viewer question. On Tuesdays, it's Dr. Charles Raison, an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University, and an expert in the mind-body connection for health. Asked by Rachel from Southern California I am a college student, recently diagnosed with depression, and am taking steps to figure out if I have ADHD because of a tremendous inability to focus and retain information. It is almost like, when I'm trying to focus on something someone says, it slips right through me like water. I am curious to know what prospects I have of gaining my cognitive abilities back if I start taking Lexapro or other antidepressants. If these are going to impair my ability to concentrate and focus even more, then I am not sure how to weigh the cost-benefits of taking them, because I am in school. In short, are antidepressants more helpful or hurtful to my cognitive functions? Can I look forward to reversing the concentration and memory retention problems I am currently undergoing? I am very sorry to hear about your situation. College is tough enough without having to struggle with depression. When most people think of depression, the first things that come to mind are sadness, a loss of enjoyment in life, and perhaps that great dark sense of foreboding and fear that so often accompany the disorder. And while these are all very painful, and central, parts of the condition, other symptoms of depression can be at least as damaging, and you are struggling with one of those: trouble concentrating. So the first thing you should know is that the problems with focusing and remembering that you are experiencing are classic depressive symptoms and therefore may not be indicative of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). It's pretty easy to figure this one out. Did you always have trouble concentrating and remembering things? If you can clearly answer yes to this, then you may have ADHD that preceded your depression. This would not be surprising - it appears that ADHD in childhood is a risk factor for a variety of psychiatric disorders in adulthood. On the other hand, if your problems with concentration and memory only began with the start of your depression, then they are almost certainly depressive symptoms that will resolve when your depression is fully treated. Let me answer your question about Lexapro (escitalopram) by assuming that your memory and focus problems are symptoms of your depression and not related to any pre-existing ADHD. In this case the surest way to resolve these issues is to get rid of your depression, and to do so as quickly as possible. If you take Lexapro and it resolves the depression, it will also greatly improve your ability to focus and remember things. Note that this does not appear to be a direct effect of the antidepressant, but rather results when the antidepressant resolves the depression. Antidepressants don't improve memory or concentration, per se. But anything that makes your depression go away will fix your cognitive difficulties precisely because they are part of the depression. A final comment: Don't forget that antidepressants are not your only option. Many studies show that certain types of psychotherapy (including cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation and interpersonal psychotherapy) work as well as antidepressants. |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() About this blog
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. |
|
http://f5uii.net/link.php?site=http://www.affordableranking.com
After looking into a number of the articles on your web site, I honestly appreciate your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark webpage list and will be checking back in the near future. Please visit my web site as well and let me know what you think.
https://www.lidl.media01.eu/set.aspx?dt_url=https://www.ocrvcenter.com/rv-repair-shop-downey-california
This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger.
I have joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post.
Also, I have shared your site in my social networks!
This piece of writing is in fact a nice one it assists new net
visitors, who are wishing in favor of blogging.
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Spending some time and actual effort to generate a really good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.
http://www.preissuchmaschine.de/link.asp?url=https://ocrvcenter.com/boom-truck-repair-near-me
http://admsapi.businessweekly.com.tw/?w=408691ac-acd6-4c54-b973-1a0f3d8fcffb&c=a85512e7-29e2-4eb5-8744-1767c0122729&p=11FA92D8-D718-4768-8364-ED0F4EC976D1&a=a188cc7b-1ba1-41da-a070-4d25fc82a98a&po=e1c41fc0-17d2-4c56-b716-d4a2c579a64d&s=6ac78b7f-21a1-47bc-b320-65ad67f39446&m=5bf58492-6afe-42cf-bf12-c1c7cc29679b&u=https://ocrvcenter.com/motorhome-bed-repair-near-me/
Since the admin of this web page is working, no
uncertainty very rapidly it will be renowned, due to its feature contents.
After I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now each time a comment is added I recieve 4 emails with the exact same comment. Perhaps there is a means you can remove me from that service? Appreciate it!
/
https://businesscatalyst.com/Redirect.aspx?destination=https://wholesalenearme.com/
Hi there! This post could not be written much better! Looking at this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this information to him. Pretty sure he's going to have a very good read. I appreciate you for sharing!
http://singhui.com/uchome/link.php?url=https://acervodiario.com.br/plenario-aprova-tres-indicacoes-para-o-superior-tribunal-militar
combigan eye drops combigan side effects
https://sso.siteo.com/index.xml?return=https://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/cat-forklift-repair-orange-county-california
http://www.webexhibits.org/cs.html?url=https://forkliftswildwestlifttrucks.com/side-loader-forklift-repair-orange-county-california/
It's hard to find knowledgeable people for this topic, however, you seem like you know
what you're talking about! Thanks
cost of cialis https://tadagatadalafil.com/ – tadalafil goodrx where to buy generic cialis online safely cost of cialis tadalafil online with out prescription
What's up, I want to subscribe for this webpage to take latest updates,
therefore where can i do it please help.
Your style is really unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Thank you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just bookmark this page.
https://www.f-academy.jp/mmca?no=352&url=http://www.affordableranking.com
https://www.pixel.everesttech.net/1350/cq?ev_sid=10&ev_ltx=&ev_lx=44182692471&ev_crx=8174361329&ev_mt=b&ev_dvc=c&url=https://www.affordableranking.com/
http://bbs.cfish.idv.tw/link.php?url=https://www.nearmyspot.com/
I was pretty pleased to find this great site. I need to to thank you for your time just for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every part of it and i also have you book marked to check out new stuff in your web site.
https://wantu.cn/ad/index?url=https://www.affordableranking.com/
https://bazanoclegowa.avatec.pl/language-en/?redirect=https://affordableranking.com/
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s equally educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something too few folks are speaking intelligently about. I am very happy that I came across this during my search for something concerning this.
http://www.internetelite.ru/c.php?s=http://affordableranking.com/
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I am going to recommend this website!
http://kousei.web5.jp/cgi-bin/link/link3.cgi?mode=cnt&no=1&hpurl=https://marketingpostfalls.com/
Good day! I simply wish to give you a huge thumbs up for your excellent info you've got right here on this post. I am returning to your site for more soon.
http://www.changinglight.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=affordableranking.com
Hello, There's no doubt that your blog could possibly be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in IE, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, great site!
http://artearezzo.it/admin/footer.php?aid=249921&link=http3A2F2Faffordableranking.com
Oh my goodness! Awesome article dude! Thank you, However I am encountering difficulties with your RSS. I don’t know why I cannot join it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS issues? Anyone that knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanx!!
http://www.mr-septik.ru/bitrix/redirect.php?event1=&event2=&event3=&goto=http://affordableranking.com
You've made some good points there. I looked on the net for more info about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this site.
http://www.aurora.network/redirect?url=http://www.affordableranking.com
I got this web page from my pal who informed me about this web site and now this time I am visiting
this web site and reading very informative articles or reviews here.
/
http://www.fudou-san.com/link/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=2898&url=https://esoedumag.com/lagos-govt-no-resumption-of-third-term-online/
http://svadba.eventnn.ru/redir.php?link=https://specodejda21.ru/product/kostyum-sirius-eger-kurtka-bryuki-tk-kroun-230-kmf-seryj-moh/
/
Hello there, I do think your blog could possibly be having web browser compatibility problems. Whenever I take a look at your website in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other than that, excellent website!
http://www.guru-pon.jp/search/rank.cgi?mode=link&id=107&url=http://www.mattwestenburg.com/french-food-fibs/
Hello there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after looking at many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I discovered it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
/
http://www.vpdacha.ru/_snippet/redirector.php?url=http://www.danielbraune.com.br/o-brasileiro-e-sua-memoria-fraca-de-apagado-maior-da-historia/
I have to thank you for the efforts you've put in writing this site. I am hoping to view the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own website now 😉
http://gar86.tmweb.ru/bitrix/rk.php?goto=https://ocrvcenter.co/vacuum-truck-collision-repair-paint-shop-near-me-orange-county
http://yellowpages.staradvertiser.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=fleetrepairshops.com/van-technician-shop-near-me
http://keyscan.cn.edu/AuroraWeb/Account/SwitchView?returnUrl=https://ocrvcenter.mobi/stake-truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me
Hello, I would like to subscribe for this website to get hottest
updates, therefore where can i do it please help.
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this post and also the rest of the website is also very good.
https://yamaguchi.keizai.biz/banner.php?type=image_banner&position=right&id=41&uri=https://sprintervanrepairshop.com/van-body-shop-near-me
When I initially commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and
now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Cheers!
There is certainly a great deal to know about this subject. I love all of the points you've made.
http://cta-redirect.ex.co/redirect?&web=https://sprintervanrepairshop.com/truck-collision-repair-shop-near-me
I blog frequently and I truly appreciate your content. This great article has really peaked my interest. I am going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed too.
http://sendfwd.com/__media__/js/netsoltrademark.php?d=ocrv.today/fleetstar-collision-repair-shop-near-me
Good day! I simply wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the great information you've got right here on this post. I am returning to your website for more soon.
http://bb3x.ru/go.php?https://ocrv.life/rv-lighting-repair-near-me
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News.
Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News?
I've been trying for a while but I never seem to get
there! Many thanks
Excellent post however I was wanting to know if you could
write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a
little bit more. Kudos!
buy tadalafil side effects for tadalafil tadalafil blood pressure tadalafil liquid https://tadalafilww.com/ – tadalafil generic
Howdy! I just want to give you a big thumbs up for the excellent information you have right here on this post. I am returning to your website for more soon.
https://ssp.send.microad.jp/cc?ep=3WkB-sR7-kgCUB3oC4dc3s608eSsloN9K9NHq6iY9RsN0FgxwNmpck0T4k-9LLI9yuidcEtEYotIEUzjREa-S5R4v2nHvcF0QtXiQsDdubYMYrJ_XftQVRNkmURGNS6aGMDFcsiCQl_lNKo507iRUEbVxoJ8HW2yDEKqX54dvXTI&r=http://bestlocalnearme.com
Your style is unique in comparison to other people I have read stuff from. Thanks for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I'll just book mark this site.
https://www.prodesigns.com/redirect?url=https://theocrv.com/city-bus-collision-repair-shop-near-me
Having read this I thought it was extremely enlightening. I appreciate you finding the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself personally spending way too much time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
https://smart.link/5bb788a3d5b83?site_id=Web_NBCS_Philly&creative_id=nbcsphi1356&cp_4=ocrvshop.com/cargo-van-collision-repair-shop-near-me