Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 1/23/2009

Question
I do not know what to do?  For the past 2 years I have been having occasional black outs. Started like once every couple of months and the black out would last maybe 15 minutes.  The last blackout lasted 3 1/2 hours.  I have been getting angrier easier lately, but no black outs in about a month, because when I can feel me getting to the threshold that I know I cannot handle it, I go into a dark room and just cry.  I get so angry that I start lashing out, saying the rudest things,  hitting, and throwing things.  But I never hurt anyone badly, maybe a bruise which is still hurting someone but not to the extreme.   I do not know what I am doing at that point.  It is like my mind goes black.  My boyfriend and my roommate tell me what I said or did, but I do not remember.  Depression and nervous break downs run in my family, but not bipolar disorder. I am not on any medication.  I am 23 years old.  This is beginning to scare me because it is happening way to often. Some times I black out sometimes I don't but I cannot seem to control the anger.

Answer
Hi Samantha . . .

I think you should see a neurologist to determine if there is some organic cause for the episodes you are having. If nothing turns up  you should then see a psychiatrist for a diagnostic evaluation.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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