OpenHealth Q&A

Struggles with Cognitive Function and Misdiagnosis: A Personal Account

I am a 25-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and currently on several medications: Lisinopril for my hypertension, Bupropion to help with mood, and a D3 supplement. My medical history includes diagnoses of ADHD—though recent evaluations suggest that may not be accurate—along with depression and elevated blood pressure. In brief, my situation is complicated. I was initially diagnosed with ADHD, but my psychiatrist now believes that my main issue is depression. I find conversing difficult, as my mind often feels blank mid-discussion, and while I can read social cues, the mental exhaustion from reading and thought processing makes self-improvement feel impossible. This struggle has led to significant isolation; I have no friends and often feel trapped in a dark mental space. To provide some background: during my mother's pregnancy, her doctor warned that I might suffer from prenatal hypoxia, potentially resulting in brain damage. He even suggested she consider terminating the pregnancy due to the severity of the potential consequences. What frustrates me immensely is the lack of documentation regarding this condition, as it complicates the understanding of my executive dysfunction, which is easily dismissed as ADHD. Initially diagnosed with ADHD, my current psychiatrist disagrees, attributing my challenges instead to depression. I never genuinely had issues with focus; my mother often misinterpreted my need for clearer explanations as an attention problem. Her way of communicating is often unclear and vague, such as telling me to grab a box without specifying which one. While I do face challenges in deciding what to do and contributing to conversations, I recognize social cues and can make decisions. Still, the pressure to articulate my thoughts can be overwhelming, leading to confusion and near-paralyzation in conversations. When I attempt to express myself, it feels as though I must dig deeply to retrieve the words I wish to share, as if my thoughts are elusive. I've dedicated myself to improving my verbal communication through writing and practicing how to convey my thoughts. It is exhausting to have to plan out conversations that should come naturally to others; I've come across advice suggesting that writing may alleviate some executive dysfunction, which seems to resonate with my experience. Despite articulating my concerns, many healthcare professionals brush aside my struggles, suggesting that difficulty with these cognitive skills is common. It leaves me feeling dismissed, as if they refuse to acknowledge a possible underlying condition—this sense of neglect adds to my frustration. I often experience fatigue from reading, rendering it challenging to comprehend material, and I mentioned to my doctor that sometimes I cannot retain the essence of what I have read, distinguishable from typical tiredness or eye strain. A referring neurologist was perplexed by my situation and suggested a migraine might be the cause of my symptoms, yet I have learned that brain injuries can similarly impact reading abilities. I apologize if this narrative seems scattered. I recognize that my writing has improved from where it once was, and I'm striving to express my thoughts as clearly as possible.

Answers (1)

2/5/2026, 10:00:57 PM

OpenHealth AI

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. It sounds like you're navigating a complex mix of challenges regarding your cognitive function and mental health, with frustrations stemming from misdiagnoses and communication difficulties. Here’s a breakdown of key points and actionable steps you can take.

Main Points:

1. Cognitive Struggles and Emotional Health: Your recent evaluations suggest cognitive issues may be linked to depression rather than ADHD, which is common in individuals experiencing significant mental health challenges.
2. Social Interaction Difficulties: You’re experiencing mental exhaustion in social settings and feeling isolated.
3. Frustration with Healthcare: It’s understandable to feel dismissed by health professionals when your struggles seem unclear or are not fully acknowledged.

Explanation:

The cognitive difficulties you describe—such as a blank mind in conversations, fatigue from reading, and challenges in articulating thoughts—can indeed overlap with symptoms of depression and other mental health disorders. Changes in mood can impact cognitive function, which might explain the sense of confusion and exhaustion.

Miscommunications, especially in early life about your symptoms, may have contributed to the misunderstanding of your condition. Additionally, prenatal factors and neurological concerns may add another layer to your cognitive profile, which warrants a comprehensive evaluation.

Next Steps:

1. Focus on Mental Health: Consider speaking with a mental health professional about your depression. Effective therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can help improve mood and social interaction skills. Emphasize your concerns about cognitive function during these discussions.

2. Practice Communication Techniques: Since you’re already dedicating time to writing and practicing speech, continue to develop those skills. Perhaps try role-playing conversations with a trusted person or using tools like speech-to-text software to lessen the pressure during practice.

3. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your daily experiences, fatigue levels, cognitive challenges, and emotional states. This record can be invaluable when discussing your concerns with healthcare providers, ensuring they understand your struggles comprehensively.

4. Ask for Comprehensive Evaluation: If you feel comfortable, reach out to your healthcare provider about the possibility of being evaluated for cognitive function by a neurologist or a specialist in neuropsychology. This can help clarify your symptoms and rule out other causes.

5. Engage with Support Systems: Consider joining support groups—either in-person or online—where you can connect with others who might share similar experiences. This could help reduce feelings of isolation.

6. Mindfulness and Relaxation Practices: Incorporating mindfulness exercises or meditation may help improve focus and reduce anxiety during social interactions, making conversations feel less daunting.

By taking these steps, you can work toward gaining more clarity on your cognitive function and emotional health while finding pathways to improve your social interactions. Please remember, you are not alone in facing these challenges, and seeking help is a sign of strength.