Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 12/5/2009

Question
Dear Expert,
I am an 18 year-old girl concerned with my absentmindedness. This hasn't been a problem with important tasks, because I write them down.  

However, I also frequently misplace objects, and when I am looking for those objects, it takes me a while, and I often overlook them even as I search for them.  Sometimes I have to remind myself what is it that I am looking for. I would place them in odd places even if I've reminded myself many times where they need to go.  I also often forget I have an object in my hand.  

I also have false memories about routine actions.  For example, I often forget to wash my face because I remember washing it; the memory turns out to have been from the day before. Yesterday, I was about to bring along a banana as usual to eat for breakfast as I headed off to class.  As I was walking to class, I noticed that I didn't have my banana with me, and vaguely remembered that I had eaten it...until I returned and found the banana on my desk.

I've always felt extremely frustrated after spending so much time looking for them.  In high school, I was pretty notorious for repeatedly losing and finding my textbooks-Now, I'm more concerned because I am a premed student, and am questioning my abilities to practice medicine in the future.  How can I trust myself if I don't even know what I am doing?

Is this an attention problem? Memory problem? A problem at all? Is there a way to improve this area of my life, and pay more attention to what I do?

Answer
It could be an attentional problem and only a full neurological examination with answer your question. However a problem is only a real problem when it causes problems. Thus if you feel it is affecting your situation sufficiently, only then  should  you consult with an expert doctor who deals with Attentional problems.