Suggest Treatment For Short Term Memory Loss, Anxiety And Headache

Posted on Thu, 4 Aug 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Aug 2016 Answered on

Mon, 22 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I am speaking on behalf of our son XXXXXXX aged 26. He has never taken drugs before and does not now but about 12 months ago he took Magic Mushrooms out of curiosity. Afterwards he experienced music rushing through his head uncontrollably and thisd has not stopped. Recently he has been complaining about short term memory loss and feels he is losing his identity. He is also having a burning sensation around his neck but which is spreading. He also suffers headaches. He has never had any symptoms like this before and it is getting him down. He has seen a neurologist who gave him a clean XXXXXXX of health. He has seen a psychiatrsit who prescribed anti anxiaty drugs. XXXXXXX does not believe it is a mental problem but a physical problem. Can you help??

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

This indeed seems like anxiety, and not a physical problem. This is confirmed by his examination by a neurologist. I would encourage XXXXXXX to continue seeing his psychiatrist and to see if medication helps him. Another option if he does not like medication is psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is highly effective for anxiety. He will feel better!

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (44 minutes later)

Dear Doctor Sheppe

Thanks very much for your advice. I realise you cannot expect to give a definitive answer without seeing and talking direct with your patient. However your reply may well fit in with Michael's symptoms. Perhaps it is a psychological condition which XXXXXXX does not seem to want to accept. Could you say whether the symptoms I have described (memory loss / headaches / burning sensation) are consistent with a psychological and not physical condition? I should also add that XXXXXXX had CBT before in the past but he could not engage with it.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Yes, it is certainly possible that the symptoms you describe could be consistent with a psychological condition such as anxiety. I would encourage him to continue seeing a psychiatrist and to take medication as prescribed.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (11 hours later)

Thank you. Could you comment on his specific symptons that I described? ie memory loss / burning sensation / headaches?

Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (14 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Those are the symptoms I am referencing. Memory loss, burning sensation, and headaches could be consistent with a psychological condition such as anxiety. I would encourage him to continue seeing a psychiatrist and to take medication as prescribed.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee