Impaired cognition from depression

[prollyadhd]

Is this a thing. This literally describes what I'm going through. It got to a point I felt like I was ADHD.

[Paxiled]

I'm not sure I'd call it impaired cognition as much as it causes distraction and involves thinking thoughts we'd rather not be thinking.  Now, whether or not you're depressed depends on your symptoms, how long you've been having them, whether or not something has happened recently that was very stressful that time might deal with, etc.  If you feel like your life is being harmed by how you're feeling, therapy with a psychologist would be a step to take to get a diagnosis.  More info on what exactly is going on might get better support here.

[prollyadhd]

I had symptoms of depression ever since childhood. But only recently decided to take my own life (2 years ago.) After that depression seemed to subside, but now it is back  and kicking, I'm on medication for tics and depression (risperdale.)

[specialmom]

You seem really smart prollyadhd.  Yes, there seems to be a link between depression and cognitive function.  It's something that has gotten more and more study time in the past few years.  Here is a little bit on it.  https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/sad-depression-affects-ability-think-201605069551  But this article is really excellent.  https://www.npjournal.org/article/S1555-4155(18)30284-8/fulltext  Are you diagnosed with depression?  

[prollyadhd]

Yes. High functioning depression. Although technically speaking I was actually in depression my whole life.

[Paxiled]

I'll try again.  My post got taken down for some reason.  There is a difference between having trouble focusing and permanent problems, which is what cognitive impairment would imply.  The research done is mostly on older folks who have depression and also signs of dementia, and the question then is, is the depression causing the dementia or the dementia causing the depression.  This is found in those with severe depression.  What I tried to say in the post that got taken down was that I wouldn't want to frighten you by suggesting your depression is causing a permanent problem or not, as science doesn't have a definitive answer to this.  Most likely you're having trouble focusing because everyone with chronic anxiety and depression has thoughts they'd rather not have and fears and it clogs up the brain's space for thought.  The important thing is to try to fix the depression through therapy if you can, and you are not suffering the severe depression the studies mostly look at.  It should also be said that some research also shows that the meds used to treat depression and anxiety also cause these kinds of problems but again, nobody knows if this is a permanent problem or not.  Some think yes, some think no, and it definitely doesn't happen to everyone.  Just for your peace of mind, assume you need to calm your mind so you can focus better and don't be scared that something more aggravated is happening.  I hope you find some relief.  Peace.

[Paxiled]

I should add, I said that about the meds because again, if that's what someone needs to have a life, you do take care to only do what's needed but if it is needed, you can't let things that aren't consensus yet get in the way or you will have no life.  It's kind of the same thing, there's a lot of research out there but it goes a lot of different ways and I'm not sure it would apply to your level of depression anyway.  I just think you'll profit more by working on the depression and I'm guessing if you diminish it you will focus better.  Peace again.