[28M] With chronic loss of appetite and insomnia

What might be happening

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

Loss of Appetite and Feeling Full

1. Gastroparesis: This condition slows down the movement of food from your stomach to your small intestine, causing you to feel full quickly. It can be associated with nausea and difficulty eating.
2. Anxiety or Depression: Mental health conditions can significantly impact your appetite and eating habits. Given your family history of depression and your ADHD diagnosis, this could be a contributing factor.
3. ADHD and Medication Side Effects: ADHD itself and medications used to treat it, like Buspar, can sometimes affect appetite and eating patterns.

Insomnia

1. Chronic Insomnia: Long-term difficulty sleeping can be due to various factors, including stress, anxiety, or other underlying health conditions.
2. Substance Use: Marijuana and alcohol can disrupt sleep patterns, especially if used frequently.

Difficulty Gaining Weight

1. Metabolic Issues: Conditions like hyperthyroidism can cause difficulty in gaining weight despite adequate food intake.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Not eating enough or having an unbalanced diet can lead to deficiencies that affect your weight and overall health.

What you can do

Loss of Appetite and Feeling Full

• Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's important to discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider to rule out conditions like gastroparesis or other gastrointestinal issues. They may recommend tests like an upper GI endoscopy or gastric emptying study.
• Mental Health Support: Consider speaking with a mental health professional to address any underlying anxiety or depression that may be affecting your appetite.
• Eating Strategies: Try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day instead of large meals. Focus on nutrient-dense foods that are easier to digest.

Insomnia

• Sleep Hygiene: Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid screens before bedtime.
• Limit Substance Use: Reducing or eliminating marijuana and alcohol use may improve your sleep quality.
• Consult a Sleep Specialist: If insomnia persists, consider seeing a sleep specialist for further evaluation and treatment options.

Difficulty Gaining Weight

• Nutritional Support: Work with a dietitian to develop a meal plan that ensures you're getting enough calories and nutrients. They can also suggest high-calorie, nutrient-dense foods to help you gain weight.
• Monitor Your Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track your progress, and share your notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Given the chronic nature of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical care to get a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Reasons to seek care more urgently include:

• Significant weight loss or inability to maintain a healthy weight
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Severe anxiety or depression affecting your daily life
• Worsening insomnia despite trying various interventions

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