[19M] Experiencing dissociation, memory loss, and mood disturbances

Patient Description

A 19-year-old male reports several months of memory loss, specifically an inability to recall daily activities, and years of extreme irritability with sudden anger. The patient describes a long-standing feeling of hopelessness and deep depression, as well as persistent racing thoughts focused on potential negative outcomes. Dissociation and the presence of different personalities have been noted, indicating possible dissociative identity disorder. The patient has been on clozapine 25mg, which is typically used for schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, suggesting a complex psychiatric history. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been reported. The patient has not mentioned any significant past medical history, head injuries, or recent stressful life events that could contribute to the current symptoms.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

Major Depressive Disorder: This is a common mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can also lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems, such as difficulty remembering details or concentrating, irritability, and obsessive thoughts.
- Treatment typically involves a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes. Your current medication, clozapine, is an antipsychotic that can also be used to treat symptoms of depression.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder: This is a chronic disorder characterized by excessive, long-lasting worry and fear about everyday situations. Racing thoughts and obsessing over potential negative outcomes are common symptoms.
- Treatment often involves a combination of medication and cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Dissociative Disorders: These disorders involve problems with memory, identity, emotion, perception, behavior and sense of self, which seems to align with your mention of dissociation and feeling like you have different personalities.
- Treatment usually involves psychotherapy, with the aim of helping the person to bring together the dissociative parts of their identity into a fully functioning whole.

Please note that these are potential explanations based on the information provided, and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Continue taking your prescribed medication and follow up with your healthcare provider regularly.
Consider seeking help from a mental health professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, who can provide a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.
Try to engage in regular physical activity, maintain a healthy diet, and ensure you're getting enough sleep - these lifestyle factors can significantly impact mental health.
Consider mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or yoga, which can help manage symptoms of anxiety and depression.

What you should look out for

If you notice any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:

Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
An increase in your symptoms or new symptoms
Side effects from your medication, such as dizziness, restlessness, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty urinating.

Remember, it's important to reach out to a healthcare professional who can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

1

Hugs

0

Comments

Save

11 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines