Struggling with Cognitive Issues: Seeking Advice

Ugh anticonvulsants make me lose my hair ☹️

Unfortunately I tried anticonvulsants (are you referring to Lamictal?) And it didn't work out for me 😔

Could be those antipsychotics you're taking. They aren't typically meant to be taken as mood stabilizers during periods of stability because of their side effects. Technically they're only supposed to treat active episodes of mania, depression, or mixed states, and after those episodes end, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers or lithium are supposed to be used to prevent/delay the next episode. Long term, antipsychotics are among the most harmful medications you can take. I understand that some people really need those drugs so they can function and stay stable, but if I were asked to start on your regiment, I would ask my doctor about using anticonvulsants instead.

My memory is like Swiss cheese. Some things stick and others fall through the holes. I think all the meds I’m on play a big part in it. I call it sometimers, some times I remember and sometimes I don’t. Lol

Yes, but I also smoke pot so I’m not sure what I can contribute to my bipolar, and what is from smoking since I have been doing it regularly for 10+ years to selfie medicate

i graduated with a 3.7 gpa despite pretty intense adhd. don’t let your doctor prevent you from being diagnosed with it if you may have it for such a ridiculous reason! you can totally have good grades even if you have adhd. it affects everyone differently.

@littlechangeling That wouldn't surprise me one bit. Makes me so angry.

My memory is absolutely awful to the point where people constantly comment on it. It makes me feel awful and is almost 100% related to taking psych medications.

they told me the exact same thing cause i had good grades so it didn’t seem like an issue to them, my dr didn’t wanna prescribe me meds but i talked to my psychologist about it she helped me get diagnosed. there’s also lots of info and research you can do online, it can be supper different for everyone so it’s good to know your symptoms so you can treat them accordingly

pooh to any doctor who says good grades mean you can't have ADHD. That is flat-out misinformation. Get an opinion from a psychologist or mental health practitioner - not your primary care physician.

My doctor said it sounds like I have ADHD symptoms, but says I don't have the disorder itself because I did well in school :/

For me, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression when I was 11 and it’s gotten a lot better but i noticed I had trouble keeping my focus on stuff and i was later diagnosed with adhd as well. I haven’t taken meds for my adhd but just being diagnosed and being aware that I had it helped me understand myself better and now I can do things to help me focus and control my adhd

The same thing happened to me and I think it was because I used to be on clonazepam for a long time and it affected my memory awfully.