Lawrence, MA
A 36-year-old female asked:
Is constant memory problems, real severe at times, normal for somebody disabled with lifelong anxiety/bipolar depression disorder?
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

Dr. Carlos Satulovskyanswered
Psychiatry 30 years experience
(here we go): Memory problems are a very common collateral effect of benzodiazepines like clonazepam. Also, rebound anxiety, depression, balance problems, tolerance (stops working, requiring higher doses eventually to exert same effects) and dependency. I wish you well, remember to discuss it with your dr, who knows you better. Good luck.
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Dr. Carlos Satulovsky commented
Psychiatry 30 years experience
Provided original answer
Also possible, conditions like pseudodementia are often present in depression, in which patients notice cognitive disfunction and memory problems. Concentration problems are part of the criteria for some types of depression too.
Nov 8, 2013

A Verified Doctoranswered
42 years experience
Yes: While not always severe, cognitive deficits plague people with bipolar disorder. The longer the time spent in depression and the greater the number of relapses ultimately effects the severity of cognitive deficits. Neuropsych testing would help to determine whether these are due to your illness. www.medscape.com/viewarticle/469460
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Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
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Last updated Jul 20, 2014
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