I feel spaced-out and unable to concentrate. Please help.

Hello doctor,

I have now had various conditions that have worsened for the past 18 months, including constant spaced-out feeling, always feel enclosed within my head, lack of clarity, and inability to concentrate on simple tasks such as reading, driving, or simple conversation. Frequent blurred vision and severe tiredness, bright lights make me feel worse (for example, supermarkets exacerbate the problem), infrequent but notable dizziness or lightheadedness, difficulty recalling information or memories.

Each day varies, but I will get three to five-day periods where it is terrible. I had blood tests that show nothing by way of diabetes or other ailments and an MRI some time ago to rule out a brain tumor (an unfortunate family trait). I have been told it is possibly stressed or anxiety-related and have had counseling since but can rule that out with no recent events to suggest this be true. I am at a point now where I do not know where to turn or what to do. It is affecting me to a point where it is ruining everyday life at work and personally. Any help or advice would be so much appreciated as the usual methods have not helped me, and I am getting desperate.

Thank you doctor,

I appreciate your response. I have been down the route of mental health, but nothing has worked so far and only frustrated me further that my symptoms have worsened. My answers to your questions are as follows.

I am not depressed, perhaps a little despondent sometimes. When I feel most spaced out or worse, I do tend to shy away from activities, but I would argue that is an effect and not a cause. I feel less emotionally sensitive, that is to say, I am a little less happy than usual. I find it difficult to get to sleep and to get up in the morning once I have been asleep.

I do not have a significant change in weight or appetite. My reaction time is a little slower, indeed, my mental capacity in terms of thinking is notable but only by myself. Most of the time, it takes me so long to wake up in the morning, and I often feel like I need to sleep or nap in the afternoon. I find that no amount of sleep makes me feel well-rested.

My decreased ability to concentrate, think, or make decisions is my most frustrating symptom. If I search online for something like this, the term brain fog is often used. My mind feels like it is in a bubble, and it takes me far longer to read or observe anything. I thought of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt. My only thoughts of worthlessness are based solely on my inability to concentrate at the moment on work or conversing with anyone else. But I do not have recurrent thoughts of death or suicidal ideation, or a suicide attempt.

I am running a small business, which is a little hard work but nothing too stressful. It is quite enjoyable even in the current economic climate. I have an excellent relationship with my partner, and she is extremely supportive thus far.