Announcements
Are you on Antidepressants and Frustrated that you can't Lose Weight?
Visit our Crisis Assistance Link for resources. For immediate help, get to the ER.
If you think you may have a Borderline Personality Disorder, please read this link shared here. Also, Topic Overview.
*No Dr Outside Contact Please*
Visit our Crisis Assistance Link for resources. For immediate help, get to the ER.
If you think you may have a Borderline Personality Disorder, please read this link shared here. Also, Topic Overview.
*No Dr Outside Contact Please*
Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?
mercygive posted:
I am a good speller, but I have problems with word association. For example, my boss came into my office and asked if he could borrow the stamp and I picked up the stapler to give it to him. Again, he asked for the stamp and I insisted on giving him the stapler. Finally, I got it! We both laughed about it, but it really isn't all that funny and I feel like an idiot, and I worry about it. Did my confusion occur because the words stamp and stapler both begin with the letters 'sta'? It happens frequently and it happens when someone is asking me a question and I get this blank stare on my face. I have little or no problem receiving instructions. I notice that here too when I attempt to answer a post. I feel less inept if my answer follows the subject. Sometimes, I answer a post just for practice. I get more than a daily dose of responding to written and oral disputes at work. I never know when or what problem is going to land on my desk, and I work with constant interruptions. I spend an equal amount of time answering questions (out flow) and receiving instructions (in flow).
I've noticed this problem has gotten worse over the last ten years. I am 52. It's no better, nor worse with or without taking medications, and occurs when I'm baseline. Why do I have word association problems when someone asks me a question, but not when I'm receiving instructions. Is this normal aging or something else? Is there anyone else here who shares this or similar experience? If so, please give examples if you can. Thank you.
I've noticed this problem has gotten worse over the last ten years. I am 52. It's no better, nor worse with or without taking medications, and occurs when I'm baseline. Why do I have word association problems when someone asks me a question, but not when I'm receiving instructions. Is this normal aging or something else? Is there anyone else here who shares this or similar experience? If so, please give examples if you can. Thank you.
16 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?I am a good speller, but I have problems with word association. For example, my boss came into my office and asked if he could borrow the stamp and I picked up the stapler to give it to him. Again, he asked for the stamp and I insisted on giving him the stapler. Finally, I got it! We both laughed about it, but it really isn't all that funny and I feel like an idiot, and I worry about it. Did my confusion occur because the words stamp and stapler both begin with the letters 'sta'? It happens frequently and it happens when someone is asking me a question and I get this blank stare on my face. I have little or no problem receiving instructions. I notice that here too when I attempt to answer a post. I feel less inept if my answer follows the subject. Sometimes, I answer a post just for practice. I get more than a daily dose of responding to written and oral disputes at work. I never know when or what problem is going to land on my desk, and I work with constant interruptions. I spend an equal amount of time answering questions (out flow) and receiving instructions (in flow). <br /> I've noticed this problem has gotten worse over the last ten years. I am 52. It's no better, nor worse with or without taking medications, and occurs when I'm baseline. Why do I have word association problems when someone asks me a question, but not when I'm receiving instructions. Is this normal aging or something else? Is there anyone else here who shares this or similar experience? If so, please give examples if you can. Thank you.<br />
jselleck responded:
Mercy, Wish I could be of help. This is new to me, and I've never heard of this happening to anyone I know. Wish you all the luck in getting the help you're looking for. Best wishes.
J
J
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Mercy, Wish I could be of help. This is new to me, and I've never heard of this happening to anyone I know. Wish you all the luck in getting the help you're looking for. Best wishes.<br /><br /> J
slik_kitty responded:
that's happened to me, where i hear something other than what was said. where i see it the most though is when i am writing, i will pick the wrong word out of similarly spelled words. i always catch myself but it is extremely annoying. it's harder to catch that with the spoken word. it could be the bp, age or meds. maybe dr g can weigh in on this.
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?that's happened to me, where i hear something other than what was said. where i see it the most though is when i am writing, i will pick the wrong word out of similarly spelled words. i always catch myself but it is extremely annoying. it's harder to catch that with the spoken word. it could be the bp, age or meds. maybe dr g can weigh in on this.
Thanks Jessica. I don't know anyone who has experienced this either, well maybe Kitty. I usually dismiss it as too many interruptions and inability to focus, but I think there may be something more to it. BTW, so glad your little Peabody is back safely in your arms.
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Thanks Jessica. I don't know anyone who has experienced this either, well maybe Kitty. I usually dismiss it as too many interruptions and inability to focus, but I think there may be something more to it. BTW, so glad your little Peabody is back safely in your arms.<br />
mercygive replied to slik_kitty's response:
Thanks Kitty. All I can think to do is track the incidents and details in my journal. I do have some verbal memory problems. I have difficulty hearing (not physically, no ringing) and processing what someone is telling or asking me. Usually, my boss will ask me to pull this report and I give him the wrong report, yet similar report in name or information. He will have to repeat it maybe twice again and then I recognize what he is asking for. Or someone will ask can I borrow your —and I reach for something else, they correct me and say no I need the — and it relates to something so simple. I have worked at this office for ten years so everything is habitual. One of my co-workers told me last week that I was not the same person I used to be. Other than that, I feel fine.
I have a pdoc appt coming up so I will talk to her, first, and see if it may be related to the meds I am taking and watch for side-effects. I told dh this morning and he agreed there is something wrong and now he is worried. He just wants to make sure I know red from green, brake from gas, and left from right.
I have a pdoc appt coming up so I will talk to her, first, and see if it may be related to the meds I am taking and watch for side-effects. I told dh this morning and he agreed there is something wrong and now he is worried. He just wants to make sure I know red from green, brake from gas, and left from right.
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Thanks Kitty. All I can think to do is track the incidents and details in my journal. I do have some verbal memory problems. I have difficulty hearing (not physically, no ringing) and processing what someone is telling or asking me. Usually, my boss will ask me to pull this report and I give him the wrong report, yet similar report in name or information. He will have to repeat it maybe twice again and then I recognize what he is asking for. Or someone will ask can I borrow your —and I reach for something else, they correct me and say no I need the — and it relates to something so simple. I have worked at this office for ten years so everything is habitual. One of my co-workers told me last week that I was not the same person I used to be. Other than that, I feel fine.<br /> I have a pdoc appt coming up so I will talk to her, first, and see if it may be related to the meds I am taking and watch for side-effects. I told dh this morning and he agreed there is something wrong and now he is worried. He just wants to make sure I know red from green, brake from gas, and left from right.<br />
bpcookie responded:
Hey Honey bunny, I do that when I'm on the computer. I will read a word but think it is a different word. Some times I will think its a bad word. lol. Perhaps I'm dirty minded, I don't know. Also, I can't remember simple words. I have to describe it to my husband so that he can guess at what word I'm trying to say or type.
My therapist told me that as we get older our minds become Swiss Cheese. That makes total sense to me.......what was I just talking about?? hehehe
love ya. muahs
My therapist told me that as we get older our minds become Swiss Cheese. That makes total sense to me.......what was I just talking about?? hehehe
love ya. muahs
You may go through life hearing a 1000 NO's but don't give up because your YES is out there waiting for you.- (Something my father told me.)
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Hey Honey bunny, I do that when I'm on the computer. I will read a word but think it is a different word. Some times I will think its a bad word. lol. Perhaps I'm dirty minded, I don't know. Also, I can't remember simple words. I have to describe it to my husband so that he can guess at what word I'm trying to say or type.<br /><br />My therapist told me that as we get older our minds become Swiss Cheese. That makes total sense to me.......what was I just talking about?? hehehe<br /><br />love ya. muahs
bpcookie responded:
I would like more ppl on the board to chime in. I'm wondering if this is typical with Bipolars
You may go through life hearing a 1000 NO's but don't give up because your YES is out there waiting for you.- (Something my father told me.)
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?I would like more ppl on the board to chime in. I'm wondering if this is typical with Bipolars
Hey gals!
I don't have the exact problem you mentioned but I certainly have mind mush moments, much more than is normal. For instance, there was a billboard that said weareuk#. I asked my husband what wear e uk means? He laughed and asked if I was serious then told me it was "we are uk?" Then we both laughed. Another example is I very often get words or even syllables mixed up. Just the other day I was talking about Steve and Sheila and said "Steila and Sheve." Again, we laughed but it seems like we are laughing at my brain a little more than I care to admit.
I don't have the exact problem you mentioned but I certainly have mind mush moments, much more than is normal. For instance, there was a billboard that said weareuk#. I asked my husband what wear e uk means? He laughed and asked if I was serious then told me it was "we are uk?" Then we both laughed. Another example is I very often get words or even syllables mixed up. Just the other day I was talking about Steve and Sheila and said "Steila and Sheve." Again, we laughed but it seems like we are laughing at my brain a little more than I care to admit.
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Hey gals!<br /> <br />I don't have the exact problem you mentioned but I certainly have mind mush moments, much more than is normal. For instance, there was a billboard that said weareuk#. I asked my husband what wear e uk means? He laughed and asked if I was serious then told me it was "we are uk?" Then we both laughed. Another example is I very often get words or even syllables mixed up. Just the other day I was talking about Steve and Sheila and said "Steila and Sheve." Again, we laughed but it seems like we are laughing at my brain a little more than I care to admit.
Cookie, there are times when I have brain freeze and it makes me irritable. My husband and I play charades too. Like he takes a bar of soap and points it at my mouth. lol
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Cookie, there are times when I have brain freeze and it makes me irritable. My husband and I play charades too. Like he takes a bar of soap and points it at my mouth. lol
Monkey Bee,
At least we get a laugh out of it. I also switch syllables. I read everyday though. Recently, my husband said I need a hobby that works my brain. I practice the downloaded brain game apps on my phone and Kimble. But, I think a hobby is an interest that you share with others.
At least we get a laugh out of it. I also switch syllables. I read everyday though. Recently, my husband said I need a hobby that works my brain. I practice the downloaded brain game apps on my phone and Kimble. But, I think a hobby is an interest that you share with others.
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Monkey Bee,<br /> <br />At least we get a laugh out of it. I also switch syllables. I read everyday though. Recently, my husband said I need a hobby that works my brain. I practice the downloaded brain game apps on my phone and Kimble. But, I think a hobby is an interest that you share with others.
LOL Mercy re-soap. I was wondering if any of you Bipolars have gotten into the habit of talking out loud to yourselves? I catch myself doing it all day long. I will have make believe convo's with my Dr. before my apt. and then have make believe convo. about what I should have said to my Dr. Also I will talk to jerks in my past, just make believe of course and tell them what I wish I would have told them. So its blah blah blah non stop. I'm afraid if I keep it up, I will go crazy or something. uuugh
You may go through life hearing a 1000 NO's but don't give up because your YES is out there waiting for you.- (Something my father told me.)
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?LOL Mercy re-soap. I was wondering if any of you Bipolars have gotten into the habit of talking out loud to yourselves? I catch myself doing it all day long. I will have make believe convo's with my Dr. before my apt. and then have make believe convo. about what I should have said to my Dr. Also I will talk to jerks in my past, just make believe of course and tell them what I wish I would have told them. So its blah blah blah non stop. I'm afraid if I keep it up, I will go crazy or something. uuugh
Cookie,
I do this often, but my doc said if I am doing it and it feels like I can't control it, it is a symptom that could signal a problem. This last time, I was even "thinking out loud," aka rehersing conversations, in front of my husband and daughter. I was very embarrassed if they would ask who I was talking to. I think it was driven by severe anxiety when I was in a bad manic state.
I do this often, but my doc said if I am doing it and it feels like I can't control it, it is a symptom that could signal a problem. This last time, I was even "thinking out loud," aka rehersing conversations, in front of my husband and daughter. I was very embarrassed if they would ask who I was talking to. I think it was driven by severe anxiety when I was in a bad manic state.
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Cookie, <br />I do this often, but my doc said if I am doing it and it feels like I can't control it, it is a symptom that could signal a problem. This last time, I was even "thinking out loud," aka rehersing conversations, in front of my husband and daughter. I was very embarrassed if they would ask who I was talking to. I think it was driven by severe anxiety when I was in a bad manic state.
Yes, thats what I do, rehearse conversations. hhhmmm I wonder what is going on in my life to cause me to do that. I stay at home all day alone with my dog, so I don't get to see ppl often. I wonder if its because I have no one to talk to. I have also been over whelmed and stressed out. I have VLSC and it causes me a great deal of pain. I've suffered daily from it for 2 yrs and the longer I have the pain the more I think I will never get any relief. So I have been very depressed about this.
Thanks so much for telling me about your *rehearsing conversations*. I really was afraid I was going crazy. Your not crazy so maybe there is hope for me. hehe
Thanks so much for telling me about your *rehearsing conversations*. I really was afraid I was going crazy. Your not crazy so maybe there is hope for me. hehe
You may go through life hearing a 1000 NO's but don't give up because your YES is out there waiting for you.- (Something my father told me.)
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Yes, thats what I do, rehearse conversations. hhhmmm I wonder what is going on in my life to cause me to do that. I stay at home all day alone with my dog, so I don't get to see ppl often. I wonder if its because I have no one to talk to. I have also been over whelmed and stressed out. I have VLSC and it causes me a great deal of pain. I've suffered daily from it for 2 yrs and the longer I have the pain the more I think I will never get any relief. So I have been very depressed about this.<br /><br />Thanks so much for telling me about your *rehearsing conversations*. I really was afraid I was going crazy. Your not crazy so maybe there is hope for me. hehe <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0">
Mercygive,
A friend of mine says my brain works faster than my mouth and it takes a minute for one to catch up to the other.
I think the brain games are good.. I always worry that this will affect me when I am older though, like if it means I will be more susceptible to dimentia or other related illnesses as well. I am most certainly a worrier though.
A friend of mine says my brain works faster than my mouth and it takes a minute for one to catch up to the other.
I think the brain games are good.. I always worry that this will affect me when I am older though, like if it means I will be more susceptible to dimentia or other related illnesses as well. I am most certainly a worrier though.
Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?Mercygive,<br /> <br />A friend of mine says my brain works faster than my mouth and it takes a minute for one to catch up to the other. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br />I think the brain games are good.. I always worry that this will affect me when I am older though, like if it means I will be more susceptible to dimentia or other related illnesses as well. I am most certainly a worrier though.
In the day to day I think it might be a quirk but not an issue...I have enough of those, lol.
I really am so sorry about your chronic pain.
It would make me depressed too, if not paniced. I wish you could have some relief!
I really am so sorry about your chronic pain.
It would make me depressed too, if not paniced. I wish you could have some relief!Report This| Share this:Mind to Mush - Word Association Problems Anyone?In the day to day I think it might be a quirk but not an issue...I have enough of those, lol. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br />I really am so sorry about your chronic pain. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/frown.gif" align="top" border="0"> It would make me depressed too, if not paniced. I wish you could have some relief!
Featuring Experts
There are no Expert stories for this community right now
Helpful Tips
TO DROP MY WEIGHT, I DROPPED THE DIET SOFT DRINKS.
Been on Zonegran for about five years and a type II diabetic for 35 years using metaformin and insulin. It appears the jury is in for me on ... More
Was this Helpful?
6
of
10 found this helpful
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Other Bipolar Disorder Information
- Bipolar Disorder Health Center
- Slideshow: Bipolar Disorder Overview
- Families of Depressed & Bipolar Kids Tips and Support from Members Like You!
-
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.