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Does Trouble In Concentration Indicate ADHD?

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Posted on Mon, 19 Jan 2015
Question: having trouble focusing...ive always had trouble with concentration thinking i might have ADD or ADHD?

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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Poor focus can occur due to depression, ADD or deficiencies

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM

Trouble in concentration can occur due to ADD but there are many possibilities that can result in such symptoms and we have to rule out them before making any conclusion on ADD. I have mentioned common conditions that can cause poor concentration and thinking-

One possibility that is commonest reason behind poor concentration is nutrient deficiencies. Anaemia of iron deficiency may present with poor focus, lack of concentration. Low Vitamin B12 levels are also common cause behind such symptoms. I would advise you to get your B12 and Haemoglobin levels checked to rule out these conditions. If levels come low start taking B12 supplements.

Second medical possibility that we should rule out is hypothyroid states. Low levels of thyroid hormones are responsible for symptoms of poor focus. They also increases risk of depression, anxiety symptoms. Other symptoms like tiredness, fatigue etc are also present. I would advise you to get your thyroid levels checked to rule out the condition.

Other possibility for such symptoms is mild depression and anxiety. Poor focus is one of common symptom of depression. In individuals with depression other symptoms like tiredness, lack of interest in day to day routine etc are also found. You have been on Zoloft, Prosac medicines and these are anti-depressants. Consult your psychiatrist for evaluation of symptoms and to rule out if these symptoms are due to depression or not.

If these conditions are ruled out then we are left with ADD as possibility of such symptom. Other symptoms of ADD like hyperactivity, impulsivity etc should also be present. I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for making proper clinical diagnosis.

In most cases with poor concentration medicines like Modafinil or Armodafinil prove useful. These medicines help to improve concentration and day time alertness. If individual don't respond to these drugs then amphetamines like ADDERALL, Methylphenidate are used. These drugs are mainly used in poor concentration associated with ADD. I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for evaluation and for prescription of these drugs.

To improve your focus try relaxation exercises, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation. These methods help to maintain focus.

Sleep at least 7 hours daily and this will improve alertness.

Start taking Omega-3-Fatty acids supplements. These supplements will help to improve alertness and focus.

Diets rich in protein and carbs and low in fats also prove useful. Diets rich in omega fatty acids like walnut, hazelnuts, salmon or sardine fish, flex seeds can be taken to improve amount of these fatty acids in diet.

Thanks, hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again in follow up if you have more questions.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5193 Questions

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Does Trouble In Concentration Indicate ADHD?

Brief Answer: Poor focus can occur due to depression, ADD or deficiencies Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM Trouble in concentration can occur due to ADD but there are many possibilities that can result in such symptoms and we have to rule out them before making any conclusion on ADD. I have mentioned common conditions that can cause poor concentration and thinking- One possibility that is commonest reason behind poor concentration is nutrient deficiencies. Anaemia of iron deficiency may present with poor focus, lack of concentration. Low Vitamin B12 levels are also common cause behind such symptoms. I would advise you to get your B12 and Haemoglobin levels checked to rule out these conditions. If levels come low start taking B12 supplements. Second medical possibility that we should rule out is hypothyroid states. Low levels of thyroid hormones are responsible for symptoms of poor focus. They also increases risk of depression, anxiety symptoms. Other symptoms like tiredness, fatigue etc are also present. I would advise you to get your thyroid levels checked to rule out the condition. Other possibility for such symptoms is mild depression and anxiety. Poor focus is one of common symptom of depression. In individuals with depression other symptoms like tiredness, lack of interest in day to day routine etc are also found. You have been on Zoloft, Prosac medicines and these are anti-depressants. Consult your psychiatrist for evaluation of symptoms and to rule out if these symptoms are due to depression or not. If these conditions are ruled out then we are left with ADD as possibility of such symptom. Other symptoms of ADD like hyperactivity, impulsivity etc should also be present. I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for making proper clinical diagnosis. In most cases with poor concentration medicines like Modafinil or Armodafinil prove useful. These medicines help to improve concentration and day time alertness. If individual don't respond to these drugs then amphetamines like ADDERALL, Methylphenidate are used. These drugs are mainly used in poor concentration associated with ADD. I would advise you to visit a psychiatrist for evaluation and for prescription of these drugs. To improve your focus try relaxation exercises, yoga, progressive muscle relaxation, meditation. These methods help to maintain focus. Sleep at least 7 hours daily and this will improve alertness. Start taking Omega-3-Fatty acids supplements. These supplements will help to improve alertness and focus. Diets rich in protein and carbs and low in fats also prove useful. Diets rich in omega fatty acids like walnut, hazelnuts, salmon or sardine fish, flex seeds can be taken to improve amount of these fatty acids in diet. Thanks, hope this helps you. Please don't hesitate to ask again in follow up if you have more questions.