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What Causes Lack Of Concentration, Focus Issues And Frustration?

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Posted on Tue, 26 Jul 2016
Question: Hello,
My name is XXXXXXX. I live in XXXXXXX Nebraska. I work for Time Warner Cable. What i do for my job is mainly troubleshoot internet/wfi issues. I recently have been talked to by my supervisor about my performance and quality of work. During the job my mind is racing 100 mph and I can't seem to focus on 1 task at a time. For example lets say a cable line needs to be replaced outside. I'll start to work on it but then I just stop and go to a completely different thing to fix. I'm always just running all over the place at these jobs and can't seem to focus on the main task that needs repaired. Then at that point I get frustrated because I realize im falling behind. This tends to happen every single day, I just never really thought it was a problem. Until my supervisor talked to me I now feel I have to talk to someone about it. I also have terrible organization skills. Everything is a mess. My work van nothing is where its supposed to be. Im just not able to focus majority of the time during a job. I need help with this. Is there anything you can do for me because Im now also about to have a child and Im getting more stressed during work. I need to keep my job. It's a must. What would you suggest?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

I'm sorry you are having these difficulties at work. Here are my thoughts.

I agree that medication should be a last resort. In my experience, these kinds of symptoms are actually best treated with psychotherapy. What you describe sounds like extreme anxiety, and an inability to control your thinking. For this, the best treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps you regain control over your thinking. I recommend you visit a CBT therapist in your area. I also offer online text-based therapy on this website via my private link below.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (39 minutes later)
Sorry, but I i kind of disagree with your response. Anxiety to me isn't losing focus. The only thing i stated in my question was that I didn't want to lose my job. The main problem was me not being able to complete 1 task at a time thus starting another task while one wasn't finished. Losing focus and anxiety are 2 completely different things. I paid 18$ for an actual response and you're now telling me to go talk to someone else. I'm a very busy person and adding another thing (therapy) onto my routine would probably make things worse. I honestly was hoping you weren't going to recommend therapy. That right there makes me just think about how much money $$ im going to lose for some person to tell me stuff i already know. Other than therapy are there any other options. If medication is the answer what would you recommend?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (4 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Therapy is the best treatment available for improving concentration, focus, and gaining control over one's thoughts. I'm not sure why you think this would be a waste of time and money, nor do I understand why you think therapy entails telling you what you already know -- cognitive behavioral therapy does not work like that at all. You mentioned in your question that you wanted to avoid medications, which makes therapy an even better solution. If you want to try a medication, the best thing to try would either be an SSRI antidepressant such as escitalopram to better control your thinking, or to try a prescription stimulant such as Vyvanse, which may however carry with it many unwanted side effects such as anxiety and insomnia. These are the best two medications available.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (24 minutes later)
How would I go about obtaining something like that? I've never heard of Vyvanse before. Could you explain what is does?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Followup

Detailed Answer:
Vyvanse is a stimulant medication, a type of amphetamine, that acts to improve concentration. Potential side effects include worsening anxiety, insomnia, and cardiac side effects. You would obtain it by consulting with a prescribing physician in your area, who would examine you, get bloodwork and an EKG, and if safe, prescribe it to you.


Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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What Causes Lack Of Concentration, Focus Issues And Frustration?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. I'm sorry you are having these difficulties at work. Here are my thoughts. I agree that medication should be a last resort. In my experience, these kinds of symptoms are actually best treated with psychotherapy. What you describe sounds like extreme anxiety, and an inability to control your thinking. For this, the best treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This helps you regain control over your thinking. I recommend you visit a CBT therapist in your area. I also offer online text-based therapy on this website via my private link below. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.