What Causes Lack Of Interest In Routine Activities, Reduced Appetite And Drowsiness?

Posted on Fri, 24 Jul 2015

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

Fri, 24 Jul 2015 Answered on

Tue, 11 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My daughter, age 56, is currently experiencing what she considers depression. These consist of lack of interest in maintainig her home (not cleaning, doing dishes, etc.). She starts works usually at 5 a.m. when she comes home she naps for a couple of hours, gets up eats very little. then goes to bed. She has a history of alcoholism, smokes, She has lost weight (about 11 lbs in the last few mths. and has developed what appear to be bites on her shoulder & back. All this info I get 2nd hand as she is in Ca. & I am in FL. She suffers from heartburn ha taken over the counter nexi

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
she needs consultation of a psychiatrist

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

I can understand your concern for your daughter.

Lack of interest in routine activities, reduce appetite, more sleep , history of alcohol and smoke are symptoms suggestive of depression likely.
Depression can affect digestive system by reducing appetite at brain level and producing more acid in stomach which leads to heart burn. This heart burn may improve with over the counter anti acidity drug up to some extend but ultimately she needs treatment for her depression.

I recommend to visit psychiatrist for detail history, mental status examination, diagnosis and treatment.

Convince her for the same.

Hope I have answered query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad