Concentration Problems

Overview of Concentration Problems

Concentration problem also known as (Puri tawajah na hone k masayal/حراستی کے مسائل)  is not a disorder; it’s a problem that is stimulated due to other diseases. It is not specifically present in children but also shows at any age. As you know, every age has its problems that each person is facing in their own lives due to which sometimes they are not performing well to achieve particular targets. For example, lack of concentration has shown in those children and adults who are considered as failures in school, college, work and in the family. 

Moreover, having trouble focusing in an individual’s daily routine is itself another challenging task to struggle with the concentration issues. Lack of concentration is another problematic issue that needs to be treated.

Prevalence of Concentration Problems

Mental illness is typically neglected in Pakistan. About 10- 16% of the population, i.e. more than 14 million, suffers from mild to moderate brain health problems. It is mostly found in women and children.

Signs and Symptoms of Concentration Problems

Concentration issues can affect anyone. Depending upon the age group or any underlying health condition, its symptoms can vary from person to person. Such as:

Concentrating Symptoms in Children

  • Children with concentration problems do not have the capability to focus on one point because their brain is not completely developed. If they can’t focus on a 1-hour class means they suffer from this issue. It can be confirmed by their behavior, verbal skills, and playing.
    A child suffers from concentrating symptoms if they:
  • Having trouble paying attention in class
  • Loss of focus on doing homework
  • Showing others to “zone out” expression when you talk to them.
  • Lack of concentration on a TV show or movie
  • Difficult to focus on interesting activities
  • Showing distraction issues
  • Constantly daydreaming
  • Unorganized work.

A child experiencing a concentration problem might have a serious issue. You must consult a doctor and do a specified ADHD test to examine it.

Concentrating Symptoms in Adults

Concentration problems in adults are quite different from those in children. It can mostly occur due to disorder, disease, or troubleshooting conditions.

The adults show the following symptoms if they suffer from concentration problems:

  • Tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty in speech
  • Menopause or during pregnancy
  • Concentrating Symptoms Due to Infection

  • Enlargement of lymph nodes
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea with or without vomiting
  • Rash
  • Seizures
  • Stiff neck
  • lethargy

Concentrating Symptoms Due to Metabolic Disorders

  • Abdominal pain
  • Abnormal heart rhythm such as rapid or slow heart rate
  • Skin changes
  • Confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment
  • Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling very thirsty
  • Frequent urination or reduced or absent urination
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nausea with or without vomiting

Other Symptoms

  • Sleep pattern alterations
  • Mood swings, personality or behavioral changes
  • Memory, thinking, talking, comprehension, writing, reading, or learning difficulty
  • Impaired balance and coordination
  • Vision loss or changes in vision
  • Numbness, weakness, or paralysis
  • Severe headache

Types of Concentration Problems

Causes of Concentration Problems

Knowing the root cause of concentration problems is necessary if you want to treat this condition. Here are the major causes of concentration problems.

  • Fatigue and Emotional Stress: It is a major cause of concentration problems.
  • Hormonal Changes: Like menopause or hormonal changes during pregnancy.
  • Psychological Disorders: Stress, anxiety, ADHD, and depression can cause concentration problems.
  • Poor Sleep and Rest: Restlessness, overwork, and exhaustion is also contributing factor to concentration problems.
  • Poor Diet: Poor diet habits, and low blood glucose level hinders the activity of the brain. It thus becomes difficult for a person to concentrate.
  • Physical Injury: Chronic pain and physical injury lead to concentration problems.
  • Medications: Some medication has a side effect that may deteriorate the function of the brain.
  • Environmental Changes: Our brain is highly impacted by the environment. That helps the brain with the memory and concentration problem.
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Risk Factors of Concentration Problems

There are different risk factors that can result in concentration problems, such as:

Health Complications Due to Concentration Problems

Concentration problems may result due to serious diseases. Untreated health conditions often lead to permanent damage. What are the potential complications of concentration problems?

  • Learning disability
  • Physical disability
  • Permanent cognitive impairment
  • Permanent loss of sensation
  • Developmental delays
  • Paralysis

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Prevention

Following Tips can help you avoid potential concentration problems:

  • Playing games to train your brain how to focus on different objects.
  • Regular exercise can help to improve your focus level.
  • Spend some quality time in nature.
  • Take a break from your regular activities.
  • Improve your sleep quality.
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Diagnosis

A neurologist or psychologist evaluates the patients having symptoms of concentration difficulty by taking the complete medical history and asking questions regarding their symptoms. Generally, diagnosis is not exactly defined as concentration problems, it varies according to the previous situations that the patient has suffered from.  But healthcare professionals may recommend Computerized Tomography (CT scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain to help to diagnose the state of mind. It helps to know whether the brain is functioning properly or not.

Treatment of Concentration Problems | When to Consult a Doctor

Concentration difficulties do not have the exact medicated treatment. It depends upon the root cause of the disease whether it occurs due to the internal or external source, personal issue, or any due to any other problem. It also varies from person to person.
Following are some home remedies that a person can adopt in their lifestyle to improve concentration issues:

  • Turning off electronic devices such as mobile phones, notepads etc can help to improve focus on the work.
  • Never miss breakfast. It is necessary to keep your brain healthy. It is better to take a meal that is low in sugar and high in fibre and protein such as Oatmeal, plain yogurt with fruit, or whole-grain toast with eggs.
  • Try to eat fatty fish, omelets, spinach, eggs, and blueberries. It boosts concentration.
  • When you can’t focus on work, drink a cup of coffee or green tea at that time. It contains caffeine which keeps your brain active.

Psychologists or neurologists include the following therapies for patient improvement:

  • Brain exercises
  • Dietary supplements contain these chemicals:
  • Folate
  • Choline
  • Vitamin K
  • Flavonoids
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Guarana seed extract
  • Patient Counseling and Rehabilitation
  • Engaging in sports activities
  • Medications, based on the disorder, disease, or condition

If the concentration problems don’t improve with home remedies or if the symptoms get worse then you need to consult a doctor.