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Does Anxiety Cause Confusion And Slurred Speech?
Question: Hi,
Recently I have noticed that I say the wrong word in some sentences when I am talking. In my mind I know what I want to say and don't feel confused or anything, but sometimes the wrong word comes out. For example, I went home and rang the doorbell but no one heard. Later the same night, my sister came home, rang the bell, and again no one heard. Once she got inside, she asked why we didn't open the door, I said "Did you hear the bell"? I actually wanted to say "Did you ring the bell"? I caught it right away and then said "I mean did you ring it?" Is this something to worry about? It doesn't happen regularly but here and there. I recently was quite sick with a virus and have just recovered. This also caused quite a bit of stress and anxiety. I feel like I forget things as well but I remember if I think about it, or example, if someone asks me what I did during the day, I can recall everything from the time I wake up and explain it entirely, but I never entirely forget anything and can always "retrace" my steps if I forgot something, then I remember. I don't misplace items or have any other symptoms.other then anxiety and stress. I'm worried because I recently started to notice this. Also, whenever I do notice this it is always just one word and is usually related to the actual word I want to say, or I accidentally say a word about something I have recently done when I want to ask someone else about the same thing (such as the doorbell example when no one heard it when I rang it, and that sort of stayed in my mind and I asked my sister if she heard it, when I should have asked if she rang it).
It is never something completely different though. For example, some people have said they might say "wedding" instead of "birthday" or "anniversary", it's usually just one small word in a sentence and I catch it right away. I have heard names of very serious brain issues that sometimes can also cause such symptoms and right away the anxiety started (such as dementia, tumors etc). Is something to worry about?
Recently I have noticed that I say the wrong word in some sentences when I am talking. In my mind I know what I want to say and don't feel confused or anything, but sometimes the wrong word comes out. For example, I went home and rang the doorbell but no one heard. Later the same night, my sister came home, rang the bell, and again no one heard. Once she got inside, she asked why we didn't open the door, I said "Did you hear the bell"? I actually wanted to say "Did you ring the bell"? I caught it right away and then said "I mean did you ring it?" Is this something to worry about? It doesn't happen regularly but here and there. I recently was quite sick with a virus and have just recovered. This also caused quite a bit of stress and anxiety. I feel like I forget things as well but I remember if I think about it, or example, if someone asks me what I did during the day, I can recall everything from the time I wake up and explain it entirely, but I never entirely forget anything and can always "retrace" my steps if I forgot something, then I remember. I don't misplace items or have any other symptoms.other then anxiety and stress. I'm worried because I recently started to notice this. Also, whenever I do notice this it is always just one word and is usually related to the actual word I want to say, or I accidentally say a word about something I have recently done when I want to ask someone else about the same thing (such as the doorbell example when no one heard it when I rang it, and that sort of stayed in my mind and I asked my sister if she heard it, when I should have asked if she rang it).
It is never something completely different though. For example, some people have said they might say "wedding" instead of "birthday" or "anniversary", it's usually just one small word in a sentence and I catch it right away. I have heard names of very serious brain issues that sometimes can also cause such symptoms and right away the anxiety started (such as dementia, tumors etc). Is something to worry about?
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry, probably Anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
I have gone through your details thoroughly. In my opinion, there is nothing to worry about.
These occasional instances of saying wrong words does not point to any serious disorder in your case.
Rather, these can be normally seen in any individual.
Sometimes, anxiety and stress can cause such problems due to lack of concentration or thought ruminations.
Dementias occur at the age beyond 60s.
Tumors have many other symptoms like blurring of vision, frequent headaches, vertigo etc.
If the problem increases or you develop above symptoms also, then a neurological examination would help to rule out a brain disease.
At present, I feel that you should not worry.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Nothing to worry, probably Anxiety.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.
I can understand your concerns.
I have gone through your details thoroughly. In my opinion, there is nothing to worry about.
These occasional instances of saying wrong words does not point to any serious disorder in your case.
Rather, these can be normally seen in any individual.
Sometimes, anxiety and stress can cause such problems due to lack of concentration or thought ruminations.
Dementias occur at the age beyond 60s.
Tumors have many other symptoms like blurring of vision, frequent headaches, vertigo etc.
If the problem increases or you develop above symptoms also, then a neurological examination would help to rule out a brain disease.
At present, I feel that you should not worry.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your response, I just have one quick follow up question.
How can I lower my anxiety? I've had it for about one month now and It is better somedays, but in general, this anxiety will not go away. Would you recommend to seek professional help from a psychologist / psychiatrist? Or are there steps that I can take to lower it by myself?
How can I lower my anxiety? I've had it for about one month now and It is better somedays, but in general, this anxiety will not go away. Would you recommend to seek professional help from a psychologist / psychiatrist? Or are there steps that I can take to lower it by myself?
Brief Answer:
Relaxation exercises.
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.
You can practice relaxation exercises like deep breathing and meditation. This will lower your Anxiety.
If the Anxiety still persists, then you can consult a psychiatrist for drug treatment.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Relaxation exercises.
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome.
You can practice relaxation exercises like deep breathing and meditation. This will lower your Anxiety.
If the Anxiety still persists, then you can consult a psychiatrist for drug treatment.
Hope this helps.
Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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