While we would all like to focus a bit better, sometimes focus problems interfere with important life goals, including academic and career goals. ADHD is often suspected as soon as difficulties with focus arise. Some of the inattentive symptoms of ADHD include concerns many people can relate to, including:
Poor attention to detail
Difficulty sustaining attention
Poor organization
Difficulty starting or completing tasks
Being easily distracted
ADHD is only one cause for poor concentration. Depression, anxiety, poor diet, and poor sleep habits also cause similar problems with focus and productivity. The first step toward improving focus is to determine the cause of the poor focus. If ADHD is the cause, treatment usually involves medication, as well as counseling to address time management and organization. If anxiety is causing poor focus, the goal of counseling is to reduce overall anxiety and calm the body and mind when anxiety peaks. If multiple factors are causing poor focus, it is important to understand and address each of these factors simultaneously.
Sleep is often an underappreciated factor in poor focus. Sleep impairment may occur as a single problem, but it often occurs along with anxiety, depression, or ADHD. Research shows that sleep is crucial to mental focus and productivity. A psychologist can assess sleep quality and help with developing better sleep habits.
If you have concerns about poor focus or decreased productivity, please call to set up an evaluation.