CONCENTRATION PROBLEMS

Causes

The causes of concentration problems are complex and often occur together, which can worsen difficulties with divided attention, alertness, selecting relevant information, and actively scanning the perceptual field. The most common factors that make it difficult to focus are:

• genetic factors, e.g. temperament,
• an unsuitable learning style,
• distractions,
• overload,
• daydreaming,
• experiencing strong negative and positive emotions,
• malnutrition,
• the mother’s use of psychoactive substances during pregnancy (e.g. drugs, alcohol) or smoking,
• prematurity,
• the patient’s exposure to toxic substances (e.g. lead compounds),
• a poor diet low in omega-3, -6 and -9,
• complications such as low blood pressure or hypertension.

Severe concentration and memory disorders that interfere with daily functioning may indicate a neurological condition, for example dementia syndromes, CNS tumors, or psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, or schizophrenia. As a result of the family or work-related problems these patients experience, this group of patients has an increased risk of using psychoactive substances, as well as developing dependence on such substances. Importantly, these symptoms may also be a manifestation of internal medical conditions. When concentration disorders become significantly severe, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist.

Concentration problems in children

Concentration in children is selective and short-lived. It is difficult for young children to focus on one task for a longer period of time unless it is interesting to them. In that case, they may “tune everything else out” to perform one activity. Concentration problems often appear from the first days of school. Parents and teachers sometimes tend to deny a young student’s real difficulties, attributing them to laziness and a lack of motivation to learn. The first symptoms of disorders or difficulties with concentrating attention in children are observed once compulsory education begins and there is a need to stay focused during a 45-minute class.

There are many causes of concentration problems in children. These include:

• poor motivation to study, lack of commitment to learning,
• low aspirations,
• a low level of ability,
• disorders of perceptual-motor functions (reduced efficiency of the visual, auditory, etc. analyzers, or eye-hand coordination),
• microdamage to the central nervous system as a result of perinatal complications,
• low interest in educational content,
• low resistance to frustration and stress,
• a lack of ability to work hard and overcome difficulties,
• a disadvantaged family situation and poor living conditions,
• an unfavorable atmosphere at school,
• improper nutrition of the child.

Lack of concentration in children can manifest in very different ways. For example, children may be apathetic, bored, become tired quickly, work slowly, and make many mistakes. Other children, on the other hand, may complete school tasks quickly but carelessly and superficially, without sufficient attention, while still showing perseverance during play and self-chosen activities.

Concentration disorders in adults:

Symptoms

A person struggling with a concentration disorder may be a difficult partner in a relationship, and it may also be difficult to work with such a person. Problems arise because of the difficulties associated with impaired concentration in adults. These may include:

• Significant problems with concentration and attention – the patient has difficulty concentrating on carrying out an activity, as well as maintaining focus during it. These kinds of problems may mean that a person is still able to perform tasks assigned to them, but may do so inaccurately, without attention to detail. Concentration disorders can also cause problems with listening to other people, or later problems remembering what those conversations were about.
• Problems with organizing daily life – difficulties with starting tasks – the start of an activity may be postponed until a vaguely defined “later.” Because of problems with organizing and planning their time, the patient may also be consistently late; in addition, they often tend to lose various items, such as keys or documents.
• Difficulties performing multiple tasks at the same time – the patient experiences daily attention disorders – their attention is extremely easily distracted, making it practically impossible to perform multiple tasks at once.
• Emotional disorders – the patient may experience lowered self-esteem, as well as various mood disorders. Their mood may be unstable, and increased irritability may also be noticeable.

Treatment

Patients with concentration disorders can independently take certain steps that help them in daily functioning. For example, using alarms on a phone can be helpful in organizing time, reminding you to perform an activity, as can planning your day each morning. It is also important to get enough sleep and to keep your surroundings in order — even order on the desk itself can help focus attention, while clutter can certainly contribute to worsening symptoms.

In addition, two methods of specialized treatment are distinguished in the case of concentration disorders: psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy. Psychotherapy can be carried out using various techniques, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or family therapy. Psychotherapeutic interventions appear to be the most beneficial treatment option, because medications may improve patients’ condition, but their use may be associated with side effects. Pharmacotherapy for attention deficit disorder is started only when the expected benefits outweigh the possible risks. Both stimulant and non-stimulant medications are used in treatment.