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Can Anxiety Cause Memory Loss And Impaired Cognitive Function? I
Question: Can anxiety cause memory loss and impaired cognitive function? I feel “spacey” or “high” and I don’t use drugs. How long does this last?
Brief Answer:
yes, it can cause these issues
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, anxiety can affect mental function. It can cause loss of memory and also affect cognition- the ability to reason, think, understand.
It can affect these functions directly and also as a result of the consequences of anxiety eg if there is reduced sleep or reduced intake of adequate diet due anxiety these can affect brain function.
In some persons , some of the medications used to help reduce symptoms can also contribute to confusion as well
In terms of how long these symptoms last- this depends on the time course of the anxiety. They improve as the anxiety improves.
Anxiety is treated with counselling and/or medication and as the anxious thoughts and feelings decrease, mental function would improve
There is no specific time frame, it would depend on the response to treatment
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
yes, it can cause these issues
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Yes, anxiety can affect mental function. It can cause loss of memory and also affect cognition- the ability to reason, think, understand.
It can affect these functions directly and also as a result of the consequences of anxiety eg if there is reduced sleep or reduced intake of adequate diet due anxiety these can affect brain function.
In some persons , some of the medications used to help reduce symptoms can also contribute to confusion as well
In terms of how long these symptoms last- this depends on the time course of the anxiety. They improve as the anxiety improves.
Anxiety is treated with counselling and/or medication and as the anxious thoughts and feelings decrease, mental function would improve
There is no specific time frame, it would depend on the response to treatment
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok. My resting heart rate is 55. Since this started its been above 100 even at rest for the past month, sometimes being as high as 150 by just walking to the bathroom. Its very uncomfortable. Im not sure why this is happening.
Brief Answer:
anxiety can affect the heart rate
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry for the delayed reply
Anxiety causes palpitations as well, either increased or abnormal heart rate but you may want to consider an assessment by your doctor to make sure that there are no other causes as well
The assessment may include thyroid function tests, complete blood count (to check for anemia) and an EKG
If these are normal then you may want to consider treatment to help deal with the anxiety and its effects
anxiety can affect the heart rate
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry for the delayed reply
Anxiety causes palpitations as well, either increased or abnormal heart rate but you may want to consider an assessment by your doctor to make sure that there are no other causes as well
The assessment may include thyroid function tests, complete blood count (to check for anemia) and an EKG
If these are normal then you may want to consider treatment to help deal with the anxiety and its effects
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
But my normal thinking can come back once the anxiety is lowered, right?
Brief Answer:
yes, it should
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, once there are no other reasons for disordered thoughts eg due to medication or fatigue or brain trauma etc
yes, it should
Detailed Answer:
HI
Yes, once there are no other reasons for disordered thoughts eg due to medication or fatigue or brain trauma etc
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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