Difficulty Concentrating: Causes & Reasons

Possible Causes for Difficulty Concentrating

difficulty thinking or concentrating muscle aches and joint pains Symptoms can vary in severity, and can sometimes disappear and reappear without having another diagnosis [canada.ca]

concentrating.[46][47] A 2021 case report of five children in Sweden reported symptoms (fatigue, heart palpitations, dyspnoea, headaches, muscle weakness and difficulty concentrating [en.wikipedia.org]

The most common in adults are: fatigue trouble sleeping shortness of breath general pain and discomfort cognitive problems, such as: memory loss difficulty thinking or concentrating [canada.ca]

Dysthymic Disorder

concentrating or making decisions, (5) sleep disturbance (insomnia or sleeping too much), and (6) appetite disturbance (poor appetite or overeating). [onlinelibrary.wiley.com]

These symptoms included: Either poor appetite or eating too much Sleep difficulties Fatigue Low self-esteem Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Feelings of hopelessness [depression.about.com]

Change in eating habits, usually decrease or increase in appetite Sleeplessness or oversleeping Low self-esteem accompanied by hopelessness Difficulty concentrating and making [differencebetween.net]

Depression

concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness or guilt Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems [halfofus.com]

concentrating, thinking, or making decisions Changes in appetite that lead to weight loss or gain Uncontrollable crying Headache Stomach ache Digestive problems Problems [my.clevelandclinic.org]

[…] helpless difficulty remembering things. [au.reachout.com]

Anxiety Disorder

Symptoms include excessive anxiety or worry, restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. [web.archive.org]

Symptoms include increased arousal such as insomnia, irritability, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, or exaggerated startle response. [sparknotes.com]

If your child appears anxious than worried more often than not over a period of several weeks, seems to have difficulty concentrating, and experiences physiological symptoms [web.archive.org]

Postconcussive Syndrome

Irritability Sleeping more than usual Feeling slowed down Nausea or vomiting (early on) Dizziness Sadness Sleep less than usual Difficulty concentrating Sensitivity to noise [braininjspecialists.com]

Neuropsychological testing may reveal difficulties in concentration, memory, language, and executive tasks. [starjournalnow.com]

You may feel frequently confused or have difficulty concentrating due to PCS. [livestrong.com]

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

They may have difficulty concentrating and find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. [mayoclinic.org]

[…] snoring Observed episodes of stopped breathing during sleep Abrupt awakenings accompanied by gasping or choking Awakening with a dry mouth or sore throat Morning headache Difficulty [mayoclinic.org]

You may have difficulty concentrating and find yourself falling asleep at work, while watching television or even when driving. Cardiovascular problems. [mayoclinic.org]

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, extreme distress when reminded of the trauma, sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, hyper-alertness [med.upenn.edu]

[…] or outbursts of anger (3) difficulty concentrating (4) hypervigilance (5) exaggerated startle response E. [behavenet.com]

concentrating startling easily and having exaggerated response to startling events constant feeling of being on guard irritability bouts of anger difficulty falling or staying [healthline.com]

Sleep Apnea

concentrating Memory loss Decreased sexual desire Irritability Risk Factors The major risk factor for sleep apnea is excess body weight. [sleepeducation.org]

During the day, you may feel fatigued, have difficulty concentrating or you may even unintentionally fall asleep. [sleepeducation.org]

They may have difficulty concentrating and find themselves falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. [mayoclinic.org]

Central Sleep Apnea

Do you have difficulty concentrating and/or find it hard to recall your memory? Are you constantly tired for no particular reason? [morningsignout.com]

concentrating Look To The Experts For Comprehensive Care and Minimally Invasive Treatments. [chicagoent.com]

You may have difficulty concentrating and find yourself falling asleep at work, while watching television or even when driving. Cardiovascular problems. [mayoclinic.org]

Hypoglycemia

This can cause dizziness, headache, blurred vision, difficulty concentrating and other neurological symptoms. [health.harvard.edu]

Symptoms may include: Increased fatigue Difficulty concentrating Dizziness Drowsiness Headaches Blurred vision Irritability Intense thirst Increased urination Involuntary [woundcareinc.com]

concentrating Feeling anxious or irritable Hunger or nausea Erratic changes in behavior What to do if you experience low blood glucose symptoms Severely low blood-sugar levels [jdrf.org]

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Also, a person with POTS may suffer extreme fatigue, difficulty concentrating, migraines, anxiety, tremors, nausea, insomnia and fluctuation in body temperature. [luriechildrens.org]

[…] with concentration], in the absence of orthostatic hypotension) can produce substantial disability among otherwise healthy people. [clinicaltrials.gov]

concentrating, weakness in the legs, unusual feelings of hot or cold, excessive sweating, blue or purple discoloration of the legs or feet and, perhaps as a result of all [nytimes.com]

Hypothyroidism

As a result, the organs and systems in your body that these hormones interact with start to speed up, creating symptoms such as: Weight loss Difficulty concentrating Feeling [geisinger.org]

You should contact your doctor if your child experiences difficulty falling asleep or restless sleep or difficulty concentrating in school. [healthychildren.org]

concentrating It is very important to keep in mind that the symptoms of hypothyroidism are non-specific and can be found with a number of other diseases. [columbiasurgery.org]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

It comprises a range of symptoms that includes debilitating fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulties concentrating and muscle pain. [nice.org.uk]

It comprises a range of symptoms that includes tiredness, headaches, sleep disturbances, difficulties concentrating and muscle pain. [web.archive.org]

They can also have muscle pain and difficulty concentrating. ME can also cause long-term illness and disability, although many people improve over time. [bbc.com]

Fibromyalgia

A neurologist can help rule out a neurological condition separate from fibromyalgia, if you have difficulty concentrating or if you feel tingling sensations in your arms, [hss.edu]

For example, patients who do not sleep well will usually struggle with daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, and increased pain. [afsafund.org]

Common symptoms include: Widespread pain Joint stiffness Debilitating fatigue Headaches Irritable bowel syndrome Sleep disturbance Cognitive symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating [lecomhealth.com]

Hyperthyroidism

concentrating Fatigue Frequent bowel movements Goiter (visibly enlarged thyroid gland) or thyroid nodules Hair loss Hand tremor Heat intolerance Increased appetite Increased [pennmedicine.org]

Symptoms Common symptoms include: Anxiety Difficulty concentrating Fatigue Frequent bowel movements Goiter (visibly enlarged thyroid gland) or thyroid nodules Hair loss Hand [mountsinai.org]

I am having difficulty concentrating and I am increasingly forgetful. Is this all related to my hyperthyroidism? [mythyroid.com]

Bipolar Disorder

concentrating Agitation Spending sprees Increased energy, activity, and restlessness Poor judgment Increased sexual drive Abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and [halfofus.com]

concentrating, remembering, making decisions Restlessness or irritability Sleeping too much, or having trouble sleeping Change in appetite or unintended weight loss or gain [adaa.org]

[…] one’s abilities and powers, such as feeling able to control world events Decreased need for sleep without feeling tired Racing thoughts or fast speech Distractibility or difficulty [halfofus.com]

Psychosis

The person may have difficulty concentrating, following a conversation or remembering things. [medicine.yale.edu]

concentrating or understanding others People who have any of these symptoms are identified as experiencing psychosis. [nasmhpd.org]

Hallucinations: hearing voices or seeing visions Delusions: false beliefs or marked irrational suspicions of others Confused thinking: disorganized thoughts or speech, difficulty [nasmhpd.org]

Lyme Disease

Additionally some patients may develop difficulty concentrating, which is called “brain fog” (encephalopathy). [my.clevelandclinic.org]

concentrating. [express.co.uk]

This stage is characterized by: arthritis of one or more large joints brain disorders, such as encephalopathy, which can cause short-term memory loss, difficulty concentrating [healthline.com]

Substance Abuse

Many people in our society are dependent on caffeine and experience withdrawal symptoms such as headache, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating if they miss their morning [drugabuse.com]

Anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, and hypnotics (including Xanax, Valium, Ambien): Contracted pupils; drunk-like, slurred speech, difficulty concentrating, clumsiness; [helpguide.org]

Late-Onset Depression

Depression can result in irritation, withdrawal, social isolation, feelings of guilt, difficulty concentrating, a lack of energy and self-harm. [senexpertsolicitors.co.uk]

concentrating or remembering changing habits thinking of or attempting suicide If you think someone is at immediate risk of self-harm or hurting another person: Call 911 [healthline.com]

[…] with concentration and decision-making Difficulty falling/staying asleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much (hypersomnia) Individuals with persistent depressive disorder often [my.clevelandclinic.org]

Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder

You may also experience difficulty concentrating, headaches, and low energy levels while awake. [uofmhealth.org]

Afflicted people may also complain of difficulty with concentration, short-term memory, and mood. [verywellhealth.com]

Hydrocephalus

[…] poor memory difficulty concentrating Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) This form of the condition usually begins slowly and is more common in adults over the age of 60. [healthline.com]

Young and middle-aged adults Symptoms in young and middle-aged adults include: chronic headaches loss of coordination difficulty walking bladder problems vision problems [healthline.com]

[…] extreme sleepiness irritability loss of coordination loss of bladder control larger than normal head trouble staying awake or waking up vomiting or nausea seizures problems concentrating [healthline.com]

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Signs and symptoms of ADHD: Difficulty concentrating or keeping attention Being Easily Distracted Irresponsibility Difficulty in social situations Being hyperactive Trouble [liberty.edu]

Most students and adults will go through periods of restlessness and inattentiveness, with difficulty concentrating, focusing, and completing work. [hampshire.edu]

Children with ADHD experience difficulties with: inattention – having difficulty concentrating, forgetting instructions, moving from one task to another without completing [betterhealth.vic.gov.au]

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

However, in ADHD, children also have difficulty concentrating and feel restless when they are not anxious. Some children have both ADHD and an anxiety disorder. [merckmanuals.com]

For this disorder to be diagnosed, several other symptoms (such as a tendency to tire easily, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension) must accompany the anxiety. [msdmanuals.com]

because generalized anxiety disorder can cause difficulty paying attention and can result in psychomotor agitation (ie, hyperactivity). [merckmanuals.com]

Dementia

Early-stage Stage 4: Moderate Cognitive Decline This stage includes difficulty concentrating, decreased memory of recent events, and difficulties managing finances or traveling [dementiacarecentral.com]

All types of delirium can include the following symptoms: confusion or disorientation memory loss slurred speech or difficulty speaking coherently difficulty concentrating [medicalnewstoday.com]

Unknown No Dementia Stage 3: Mild Cognitive Decline This stage includes increased forgetfulness, slight difficulty concentrating, and decreased work performance. [dementiacarecentral.com]

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Memory Loss, Confusion, or Difficulty Concentrating Are you forgetful or confused, have trouble concentrating, or always feel like you're in a fog? [vitamins.lovetoknow.com]

concentrating – pale or yellow skin (jaundice) – stomach upset and weight loss – changed sensation in the limbs (pins and needles, desensitization) – muscle weakness – mood [healthyandnaturalworld.com]

concentrating and shortness of breath. [duqoboyuhac.tk]

Brain Neoplasm

concentrating difficulty communicating as usual feeling confused or disorientated loss of coordination muscle weakness Primary brain tumors are tumors that begin in the brain [medicalnewstoday.com]

Complications A meningioma and its treatment, typically surgery and radiation therapy, can cause long-term complications, including: Difficulty concentrating Memory loss Personality [mayoclinic.org]

[…] with memory, euphoria, diminished concentration, urinary incontinence, visual impairment. [uclahealth.org]

Encephalopathy

Share on Pinterest Fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness are potential symptoms of encephalopathy. [medicalnewstoday.com]

Difficulty concentrating. Support and rehabilitation are needed to help you adjust to, and cope with, any problems that you may have. [patient.info]

Z, an obese adult with a history of portal hypertension and cirrhosis from alcoholism, visits your clinic because he is having difficulty sleeping and concentrating at work [mdedge.com]

Adult Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD symptoms include difficulty concentrating, keeping organized, impulsivity, and for some, hyperactivity. [psychcentral.com]

ADHD symptoms include difficulty concentrating, keeping organized, impulsivity, and for some, hyperactivity. This is only a screening test. [psychcentral.com]

[…] with concentration. [healthdirect.gov.au]

Schizophrenia

concentrating a feeling that you're being controlled by something outside yourself not feeling up to normal activities like washing, dressing or seeing friends. [youngminds.org.uk]

Cognitive impairment can include difficulty concentrating and solving problems. [medbroadcast.com]

[…] preoccupation with religious or philosophical constructs Focus on bizarre ideas Complaints of being persecuted by others Abuse of substances – particularly alcohol and marijuana Difficulty [teenmentalhealth.org]