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What Causes Poor Concentration?
Question: Hello. I'm 19, and in my first semester of college. I've been having a lot of troubles with concentration, and getting distracted by wanting to move around or zoning out. Work that takes the other students in my classes a half hour ends up taking me an hour and a half; especially in things like Latin. And sometimes, particularly during longer lectures, I'll find myself zoning out and missing large amounts of what has been said. I try really hard to pay attention, but I just can't seem to focus for a significant amount of time. I had troubles with this before college too, but it was less noticable because the work was easier and less detail-oriented.
I thought that maybe I have become depressed or something, but I haven't had any other symptoms that I would usually have. Usually when I'm depressed I feel unmotivated and emotionally numb, but right now I do feel motivated and generally content... it just takes me forever to finish things.
Thanks
I thought that maybe I have become depressed or something, but I haven't had any other symptoms that I would usually have. Usually when I'm depressed I feel unmotivated and emotionally numb, but right now I do feel motivated and generally content... it just takes me forever to finish things.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Could be due to mild depression
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
You are a young girl and have just entered a college. You have trouble in concentrating, in finishing work, in focussing in lecture. These problems have become evident recently because the work has increased. You have normal motivation and there are no depressive symptoms.
Such symptoms could occur due to adjustment disorder. Change from school to college results in change in environment, expectations. This may result in mild depression which may present with symptoms like poor concentration, decreased performance etc. There is no need to treatment for that. Just take a little break from your studies and work and visit outdoors with a good friend or family. Watching a movie will also help. Start exercising daily and this will help in releasing endorphins which boost mood and will improve the situation. If problems persist then-
Other possibilities for such symptoms could be some nutritional deficiency. Iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency usually manifest with mild anxiety symptoms and poor concentration, tiredness, poor focus etc symptoms. Start taking Vitamin B12 supplements and iron tablets. Get your Hb and Vitamin B12 levels checked to rule out these problems. Hypothyroid states can also present with such symptoms.
Yoga and meditation will give best results. Walnuts, hazelnuts, chocolates are good and you can take these for improvement.
If condition persist even after these modifications then medicines like Modafinil can help you. Modafinil can improve day time awakening, alertness and motivation. The drug is non addicting so there is no risk with that drug. Consultation with a doctor is needed for prescription of this drug.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more questions then you can ask again.
Could be due to mild depression
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM
You are a young girl and have just entered a college. You have trouble in concentrating, in finishing work, in focussing in lecture. These problems have become evident recently because the work has increased. You have normal motivation and there are no depressive symptoms.
Such symptoms could occur due to adjustment disorder. Change from school to college results in change in environment, expectations. This may result in mild depression which may present with symptoms like poor concentration, decreased performance etc. There is no need to treatment for that. Just take a little break from your studies and work and visit outdoors with a good friend or family. Watching a movie will also help. Start exercising daily and this will help in releasing endorphins which boost mood and will improve the situation. If problems persist then-
Other possibilities for such symptoms could be some nutritional deficiency. Iron deficiency, Vitamin B12 deficiency usually manifest with mild anxiety symptoms and poor concentration, tiredness, poor focus etc symptoms. Start taking Vitamin B12 supplements and iron tablets. Get your Hb and Vitamin B12 levels checked to rule out these problems. Hypothyroid states can also present with such symptoms.
Yoga and meditation will give best results. Walnuts, hazelnuts, chocolates are good and you can take these for improvement.
If condition persist even after these modifications then medicines like Modafinil can help you. Modafinil can improve day time awakening, alertness and motivation. The drug is non addicting so there is no risk with that drug. Consultation with a doctor is needed for prescription of this drug.
Thanks, hope this helps you. If you have more questions then you can ask again.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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