Many of us have difficulty concentrating at times, but for some, it is a constant struggle.

When this is the case, you may wonder if you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

While this is a possibility, let’s look at some other causes of decreased concentration and focus.

Stress

Stress can actually increase focus for a short period of time, making you more aware of your surroundings. However, prolonged stress can decrease your concentration over time, as it changes your focus toward fears and potential dangers, while decreasing focus on other subjects.

Anxiety

Constantly struggling to manage anxiety can have a negative effect on concentration. Anxiety symptoms can be distracting in themselves and can often trigger stress responses.

Depression

Depression can lead to negative thoughts, decreased sleep quality and poor appetite, all of which can affect concentration. Depression affects parts of the brain that are responsible for attention, memory and decision making, leading to inability to focus and recall information.

Medications

Some medications that have sedating effects can decrease concentration. Medications may lead to what is often referred to as “brain fog,” making it hard to focus on activities or surroundings. You may need to discuss this with your doctor if you feel that medications are affecting your thought processes.

Drugs & Alcohol

Drugs (including nicotine) and alcohol directly affect the brain. Abuse of substances, including alcohol, can lead to disorganized thoughts and confusion. Chronic abuse can make memory and concentration progressively worse. Addiction can lead to preoccupation with the addictive substances, which can lead to distraction.

Medical Problems

• Sleep apnea affects the amount of oxygen getting to your brain when you sleep.
• Thyroid problems affect hormones, which are responsible for many bodily processes that affect energy levels and thinking.
• Neurological problems, such as brain injury, seizure disorders, stroke, Parkinson’s disease or dementia affect the way the brain processes information.
• Infections and pain increase stress responses in the body.
• Heart problems that result in decreased heart function can affect the amount of blood going to the brain.
• Kidney and liver failure can increase toxins in the blood that can affect the way the brain functions.
• Metabolic disorders and vitamin deficiencies can also affect brain function.

Now What?

If any of these problems are present with decreased concentration and focus, they will need to be addressed before you are evaluated for ADHD. If treatment of these problems does not improve your concentration, then you may need ADHD testing. If you are diagnosed with ADHD, treatment can include therapy and medication.