[27M] With chronic forgetfulness, impulsivity, and substance use

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few potential conditions that could be contributing to your experiences:

1. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

   • Rationale: ADHD is characterized by symptoms such as forgetfulness, difficulty maintaining focus, impulsivity, and seeking instant gratification. These symptoms align closely with what you've described.
   • Typical Treatments: Treatment often includes behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication like stimulants (e.g., Adderall, Ritalin) or non-stimulants (e.g., Strattera).

2. Anxiety Disorders:

   • Rationale: Anxiety can lead to symptoms like feeling overwhelmed, difficulty making decisions, and avoidance of social interactions. Your panic attack when you stopped using weed also suggests underlying anxiety.
   • Typical Treatments: Treatment may involve cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), lifestyle modifications, and medications such as SSRIs (e.g., Prozac, Zoloft).

3. Substance Use Disorder:

   • Rationale: Your heavy use of weed and caffeine, along with the difficulty in quitting, suggests a potential substance use disorder. This can exacerbate symptoms of forgetfulness, impulsivity, and mood instability.
   • Typical Treatments: Treatment often includes counseling, support groups, and sometimes medication to manage withdrawal symptoms.

What you can do

Impulsivity and Unhealthy Life Choices:

• Seek Professional Help: Consult a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and potential diagnoses. They can provide a formal assessment and recommend appropriate treatments.
• Behavioral Strategies: Try to implement strategies to manage impulsivity, such as setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and using reminders or alarms.
• Substance Use: Consider seeking support for reducing or quitting weed and caffeine. This could involve counseling, support groups, or a structured program.

Forgetfulness and Overwhelm:

• Organizational Tools: Use tools like planners, to-do lists, and apps to help keep track of tasks and appointments.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques to help manage feelings of overwhelm and improve focus.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Aim to improve your diet, reduce junk food intake, and incorporate regular physical activity. This can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

Social Interactions and Decision-Making:

• Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop better coping strategies for social interactions and decision-making.
• Gradual Exposure: Gradually increase your social interactions and decision-making responsibilities in a controlled and supportive environment.

General Health:

• Regular Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your overall health and address any new or worsening symptoms.
• Symptom Tracking: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, get insights, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider.

What you should look out for

Given the complexity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical care to get a comprehensive evaluation. Reasons to seek care more urgently include:

• Worsening Mental Health: If you experience severe anxiety, depression, or thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate help.
• Substance Withdrawal: If you decide to reduce or quit weed and caffeine, be aware of withdrawal symptoms and seek support if needed.
• Physical Health Changes: Any new or worsening physical symptoms, such as chest pain, severe headaches, or significant changes in weight or appetite, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.