Suffering From Lack Of Concentration. I Cannot Seem To Focus On One Task At A Time What To Do Because It Is Causing A Lot Of Stress On My Family?

Posted on Mon, 6 Aug 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 6 Aug 2018 Answered on

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi there.

I have struggled my whole life with lack of productivity even though I am constantly on the move. It has affected me at work, and in the past I have lost jobs because due to similar issues although it has never been stated outright. I rarely drink alcohol and have never used illegal drugs. I have noticed that my lack of productivity seems to stem from lack of concentration. I cannot seem to focus on one task at a time, and I have a house full of unfinished products. I go from one task to another and end up with a million unfinished tasks. I am open to medication, and I think I need something to help me focus and stay on task. I'm embarrassed that I have never reached out to a dr for help, but it is getting to the point where I cannot focus on anything without getting distracted by some other activity, I have a hard time finishing through with tasks, and I don't know what to do because it is causing a lot of stress on my family.
Thank you for your help and concern,
Aeby

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This could be due to depression or some ADD but should be evaluated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I can understand your concern. Your main issue is poor focus and concentration. This results in reduction of productivity. This had resulted in loss of jobs in past.

Poor focus in an individual could occur due to a number of conditions which should be properly evaluated.

- Vitamin B12 and D deficiency could be one reason for such pervasive symptoms. You should get B12 and D (25-OH) levels done to rule out this.

- Hypothyroidism is one of another cause for such symptoms in females. Get your thyroid function tests done to rule out this.

- If these tests come normal then other possibility is some psychological issue. Even mild depression can cause such symptoms. Mild depression results in loss of focus, difficulty in finishing tasks, difficulty in day to day routine. Even adult ADD can be the cause of such symptoms. Poor focus is commonly seen in adult ADD. You should visit a psychiatrist for evaluation for this.

Drugs like stimulants like Amphetamines can be used in ADD to improve the focus. Even drugs like Modafinil can be used to improve the symptoms and can help you.

You can talk with your doctor for these drugs.

Thanks,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (8 hours later)

Thank you. I have been om several different antidepressants and they havent done much for me. I havent taken any meds in over 6 momths. I had my thyroid checked and it was regular. I also take b12 and vitamin d daily.

Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
ADD should be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hello again

You are taking B12 and D supplements daily so we can rule out deficiencies. You have tried antidepressants too. Thyroid is normal. In such case the evaluation should be done for attention deficit.

You should talk with your doctor for possibility of ADD. Stimulants can be started if needed and this will help in improving focus as well as will reduce the depression symptoms.

Thanks.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

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