ADHD is often diagnosed during childhood, but the symptoms usually persist into adulthood. The signs of ADHD may be more subtle in adults which may affect the concentration of the person. For this reason, finding strategies that work for you is important if you have the condition. Not everyone has the same abilities, symptoms, experiences, or challenges, so it might take trial and error to know how to focus on ADHD and which strategies are right for your needs. However, if you still find it difficult to concentrate, you can take Clonidine Hcl. This prescription can reduce conduct, or aggressive behavior, problems in people with ADHD.
Why do people with ADHD find it hard to stay focused?
Lots of things can affect your ability to concentrate. In some cases, a health issue may be the cause. A short attention period may indicate one of the following health issues:
1. ADHD is not just a kid thing. In adults, the main symptoms of this mental health condition can include:
- Trouble focusing
- Impulsiveness
- Mood swings
- Poor time management.
2. Anxiety. Worrying takes brainpower, which can get in the way of focusing. Signs of a generalized anxiety disorder can include:
- Fear
- Constant anxiety
- Indecisiveness
3. Depression is a mood disorder that is more than just feeling sad. It also affects the parts of your brain in charge of:
- Decision making
- Attention
- Memory
4. Medication. Certain medications can change the way brain chemicals work. They may mess with your memory and focus. These include medications for:
- Depression
- Muscle spasms
- Sleep
- Incontinence (when you cannot control your bladder)
- Allergies
5. Thyroid problems. The hormones this gland makes are important to several body functions, including thinking. If your thyroid gland doesn’t make sufficient or too much, you may have trouble concentrating.
How common is ADHD?
ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. Symptoms may include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. The disorder is considered a chronic and debilitating disorder and is known to impact the individual in many aspects of their life including academic and professional achievements, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning.
ADHD can lead to poor self-esteem and social function in children when not appropriately treated. Adults with the disorder may experience poor self-worth, sensitivity towards criticism, and increased self-criticism possibly stemming from higher levels of criticism throughout.
There is an estimated prevalence of ADHD among children and adults of 8.4% and 2.5%, respectively. The first signs of ADHD in school-aged children are disruptions in the classroom or problems with schoolwork. Due to the differences in how the symptoms present, it is more commonly diagnosed among boys than girls. However, this does not mean that boys are more likely to suffer from ADHD. The majority of boys present with hyperactivity and other externalizing symptoms, whereas the majority of girls present with inactivity.
Tips That Help With Centration
Every person with ADHD has different routines and needs, which also means that they have different approaches to managing their daily lives.
1. Consistently use organizational and time management tools
Find one or more tools that are useful and easy to use and work for you, whether it’s:
- An app that helps you manage your tasks
- A paper diary, bullet journal, or notepad
- A time-management method
- Working in 25-minute intervals with breaks in between
2. Set or make a reminder to take your medication
Not everybody with ADHD uses medication, but if you’re on any sort of medication, taking them consistently is important. Setting an alarm on your phone to take it at the same time each day is also helpful.
3. Avoid multitasking
While some people do succeed in multitasking, many of us don’t. Try to remove distractions around you that tempt you into doing other tasks.
4. Limit screen time
Spending too much time staring at a screen can make you lose track of time, which can take your focus away from another task or errand.
Most of us require excitement and engagement to complete tasks. Do your task with a purpose in mind. The motivation for a work task might be your passion for a broader cause or the desire to save up for a car or vacation. It is possible to be motivated by the excitement of the project itself or by your desire to graduate from school or college. Don’t lose sight of the goal, no matter what it may be.