What Are the Different Types of Concentration Disorders?

Although many people find it difficult to focus once in a while, for others, the act of concentrating can feel almost impossible. This may be because they suffer from one of several concentration disorders known to affect focus, attention span, and even task completion. The symptoms of concentration disorders usually don't emerge spontaneously; most are known to be the result of other medical problems such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), depression, learning disabilities, or even certain forms of sleep disorders. While concentration disorders can cause challenges in daily life, there are ways to live with this type of disorder and still function properly when performing regular tasks.

ADD and ADHD are disorders that directly interfere with the ability to concentrate and focus on one thing for a long period of time. Most people that have this disorder find it difficult to complete simple tasks, listen, and remember details. They may tend to become distracted or to zone out during times where focus is necessary. Despite chiefly being diagnosed in children, many adults live with the disorder. Some drugs and cognitive behavioral therapies have been shown to improve concentration in people with ADD and ADHD.

Depression is commonly associated with feeling sad or hopeless, but sufferers of depression also sometimes struggle with concentration disorders. Loss of motivation, low interest in activities, and feelings of tiredness or worthlessness are just a few of the other symptoms people with depression may experience along with concentration difficulties. Anyone experiencing these symptoms daily may find it hard to maintain a normal lifestyle, but there are some treatment options available to help balance these symptoms, including drug and talk therapies.

Learning disabilities commonly affect people's abilities to execute academic skills such as reading and writing. Typically, learning disabilities begin during childhood and continue throughout adulthood. When people are unable to learn at the same speed of their peers, they may experience frustration and task fatigue; these experiences can cause disordered concentration and lack of focus. Although some of the other causes of concentration disorders are treatable with medication, learning disabilities are not. Specialized educational services are available to help sufferers cope, however.

Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea keep the body from receiving the required amount of rest during the night. Most people naturally require roughly eight hours of sleep per night. When the body is not rested properly, people may feel sluggish or fatigued, resulting in a loss of concentration. Sleep clinics can help find the causes of sleeplessness and help to find a resolution.

Unlike some other medical problems, not all concentration disorders are strictly curable. Specialists can help most sufferers find ways to live with them, however, and systematic coping strategies can ease symptoms and improve academic and workplace success. Often, a combination of strategies is required, and some trial and error is necessary to find the right treatments for each individual patient.