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Why Am I Having Difficulty In Concentrating On A Particular Task?

Posted on Thu, 30 Jan 2014

Question: I am 29 and i have not been having concentration problems for quite some time. i find it increasing difficult to concentrate on a particular task for an extended period of time. i have observed that my hyper active nature enables me to associate with varied interest areas. i also suffer from low esteem.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (42 minutes later)

Brief Answer: need more details Detailed Answer: Hi, I have read your question and it reflects that you have problem in concentrating on any work for long, you tend to shift your focus from on thing to other, and this has been happening for quite sometime now. There is also complaint of low self esteem , however, you have not mentioned anything about any treatment so far. Well, problem in concentration and shifting of interest to variety of things are related to either hyper activity / restlessness, or to both in some cases. I have to know few answers before coming to conclusion of the disorder in your case, as it can happen in more than one type of problem. Tell if- 1. you have been impulsive, hyper active, had difficulty in sleeping at night ( since childhood) 2. if you were considered to be very naughty and very active child? 3. did your studies suffer because of this concentration problems? 4. do you feel that your mind has lot of irrlevant thoughts constantly jumping... OR a. if you just feel anxious and have negative thinking all / most of the time b. do you worry a lot unnecessarily, feel sad easily c. do you feel that you can't do any thing good in life and so you change your work frequently d. sleeping issues? e. get tensed over minor issues, even hearing some ones problems make you anxious for your self? Among the above symptoms groups I have segregated two types of illness which can lead to your symptoms . One is due to hyperactivity disorder itself and second is anxiety disorder. So, kindly let me know what kind of symptoms you fall in most possibily? ( first group or second or mixed) And if you ever tried any treatment then what was the response and what the drug given , so that I can guide you properly. please feel free to ask more questions if you need any clarification Dr. Manisha Gopal MD psychiatry

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (2 hours later)

I have not availed any treatment for my condition so far As far as i remember during my childhood i was quite withdrawn & introverted. An ordinary student... just able to make through to the next class types. i was keen on athletics though and throughout i have had regular spikes in energy levels every day. i was good at painting drawing. i vaguely remember being impulsive and easily distracted sort of guy. it was difficult for me to sleep during the night and when at home i would shadow practice cricket for a long time before i was fatigued and go to sleep. often during shopping if i saw say a new pen i wanted to have it and also would forget things easily during shopping (more due to distraction). often during parent teacher meetings i would be classified as easily distracted, careless, talkative and having a very bad handwriting. even though i was an ordinary student till 7 but after class 7 i suddenly became interested in science and maths and began doing very well in class but even then i would always look for areas outside syllabus do things people would not consider common. i had to do what others cannot and this sort of defined me later in my life. i never believed in what i wrote during class and had to take other peoples notes. i would always jump from one unsolvable problem to other and my main studies did suffer. i wouldnt classify it as irrelevant because my variety of interests would never let me define me who i was and what is relevant to me. Intially i was optimistic when i was young but as i grew older i grew impatient with myself as i could not concentrate on any particular task and my accomplishments plummeted. without anything to prove i was just a farce to people. anxiety, sadness tense moments gradually became stronger, especially since i wasnt able to accomplish anything in sports and with age the probability decreased further. though ts that iam no good do come occasionally. i think that ADHD profile suits me better.

Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (4 hours later)

Brief Answer: Read below for necessary action.. Detailed Answer: Hello, I think that from the description you gave of your childhood, it seems that you have hyperactivity like symptoms along with impulsivity, however the IQ was not affected,( which is a common phenomenon, IQ may remain fine). You have never been treated, this has resulted in the lack of concentrating ability, there by affecting your performance at various level in life and finally leading to sadness / anxiety and dissatisfaction. I would advice you to meet a psychiatrist, and get the treatment...he might give you drugs like - atomoxetine along with some antidepressant ( ex- bupropion, Venlafaxine , or amitryptiline etc.). However, one may wait to see the response on just atomoxetine and later to add antidepressant, but I feel at it should be started at the same time, for better and quick response. With medicine, the usual time taken by drugs to show response is 2-3 weeks, and gradually the dosage is build up according to the results. ( the anti depressant also help in reducing the hyper activity along with controlling depression and anxiety ). The treatment is very effective, and you will find yourself to be able to concentrate on one subject for good amount of time. The treatment usually lasts for some time-- may be few years. With medicines you will really feel good and hopefully will accomplish what you want to do I your life confidently.. I know it is hard for you to believe, but treatment does help even when it is so long neglected...there are so many cases of hyperactivity similar to yours who are identified very late in life ( like 50 or 60 yrs of age..) & then put on drugs. It's never too late to do a right thing. and you are just 29 yrs ...it is a long life ahead of you.... ## it would be wise to get routine blood count, liver and kidney function test, lipid profile and thyroid test prior to starting treatment. Hope the reply is useful wish you good health! Please feel free to ask more questions for clarifications If you feel satisfied, please rate the answer. Dr. Manisha Gopal MD psychiatry

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

Follow up: Dr. Manisha Gopal (12 hours later)

treatment advice sounds good i had consulted a psychologist and i was told to adopt some behavioral therapies. what intrigues me is that upto now my life has been defined by this hyperactivity disorder. sure i have lost somewhere down the line due to my recklessness but at the same time i have recorded a remarkable increase in stamina and fitness , on the other hand due to my hyper active schedule and my inability to concentrate has led me to become interdisciplinary i nature which boosts my creativity also i have read some of the side effects of this drug. may please educate how this drug works and what are the consequences

Answered by Dr. Manisha Gopal (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Read below please Detailed Answer: Hello, The drug which I and suggested works on some chemicals in brain to help them satabilise. this acts mainly on nor adrenaline receptors and reduce the hyperactivity. You have mentioned your self as being in a very appreciable health, the drug will not harm it in any way... The usual side effects which can be seen are nausea, may be reduces appetite, and occasionally fatigue...but they are not seen in every patient...The side effects are handled smartly by stating with low dose and gradually building it up aftre monitoring the response. Compared to other drugs available for hyperactivity, this has NO addiction potential, and is suitable and safe. You also fear that this might change your personality and you may loose your touch, but I would like to tell you that any treatment is made available for public only and only after through research for number of years...only when the drug is found to have positive impact, it is allowed for patients...this drug is for your type of cases, so obviously tested and tried on such people. It is quiet effective and does not cause negative change in personality. please donot fear that it will simply change who you are...you will become better, not worse... the creativity you are having is no doubt good , but it is also same time harming you in many other areas of life. Hope the reply is useful Feel free to ask more questions Dr. Manisha Gopal MD psychiatry

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E