How can anxiety and depression affecting studies be treated?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 21-year-old male. I have a learning disorder, which is creating a hindrance in my studies. I have been suffering from anxiety and depression since school and have been taking antidepressants for the last three to four years. Since childhood, I have been hyperactive, but my symptoms have worsened in the previous year. I skip a lot of words while reading. During my exam, I always read half of the question and missed another part.

I am getting so disorganized. I get so irritated very easily. I cannot sit in one place to study for more than five minutes. I get angry and frustrated very easily. I always feel unmotivated and emotionless. I feel like I am a robot and have lost my purpose in life. I cannot complete one chapter, and I skip to another chapter because I feel bored. I always miss important words while reading. I have no appetite.

I always feel a lack of energy and am always fatigued. This is creating a hindrance in my academic life, and my psychiatrist said that it is because of increased anxiety that he decided to increase the antidepressant dose. Currently, I am taking Taloprex 10 mg and Axepta 25 mg. In the past, I took Clonazepam, Paroxetine 25 mg, and Escitalopram oxalate. He does not specialize in learning disorders. I want a psychiatrist to answer this question.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your problem.

Based on the symptoms you mentioned, you have some underlying anxiety, some learning issues, or symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). This should be evaluated properly. The doctor prescribed you Paroxetine, an anti-anxiety drug. Your current medicines are focusing on issues of inattention, hyperactivity, etc. Atomoxetine is a drug used for ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ). What kind of help are you expecting?

Please feel free to reach out in case of further queries.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In my opinion, though I might be wrong, we can not just make a diagnosis based on the questionnaire. A detailed clinical interview is needed. If you feel that you have more symptoms of inattention, the inability to focus, difficulty in waiting, poor performance in studies, etc., you should proceed with evaluating ADHD.

But these symptoms are common in anxiety, too. In anxiety, poor focus, inattention, concentration, difficulty finishing tasks, etc., are seen. Also, fatigue is not common in ADHD and is more common in depression and anxiety. In my opinion, I suggest taking Attentrol (Atomoxetine) as of now and continuing with the anti-anxiety drugs.

Wait for a couple of weeks and hope for improvement. If that is not seen, consult a psychiatrist other than the one you are consulting and take a second opinion.

I hope this clarifies your doubts.

Revert in case of queries.

Thank you.