Attention Difficulties: Causes & Reasons

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Possible Causes for Attention Difficulties

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD can involve difficulty paying attention, difficulty controlling the urge to act before thinking, and sometime feeling or acting restless. [hampshire.edu]

Approximately half of children with ADHD continue to have difficulties at age 18.3 The main symptoms of ADHD, such as attention difficulties, may improve as children get older [mentalhealth.org.uk]

Difficulty following directions Moving and talking excessively, can’t sit still, restless Easily bored Impulsive behavior Treatment There are many ways to treat ADHD. [emblemhealth.com]

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

These children often have difficulty paying attention and may be hyperactive and restless. [msdmanuals.com]

These children often have difficulty paying attention and may be hyperactive, restless, and irritable. They may feel keyed up, tense, or on edge. [msdmanuals.com]

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

Adult Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder

It assesses ADHD symptom severity across 7 domains: attention difficulties, hyperactivity/restlessness, temper, affective lability, emotional over-reactivity, disorganization [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Affects focus, attention and behavior and can make learning challenging A disorder that includes difficulty staying focused and paying attention, difficulty controlling behavior [ldaamerica.org]

The new definition was based on the assumption that attention difficulties are sometimes independent of impulse problems and hyperactivity. [pbs.org]

Anxiety Disorder

However, FXS is also associated with significant emotional and psychiatric problems, including anxiety, depression, attention difficulties, and learning disabilities in the [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

[…] paying attention or concentrating Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or disturbed/interrupted sleep Excessive studying Reassurance seeking Excessive or unreasonable list [anxietybc.com]

Irritable Tired Muscle pains (often in the neck and shoulders) Headaches Stomachaches Emotions: Anxiety/worry Sadness Anger Shame Guilt Behaviors: Tantrums Snapping at others Difficulty [anxietybc.com]

Postconcussive Syndrome

Postconcussive symptoms such as headache, dizziness, irritability, and difficulties with memory and attention are reported frequently after traumatic brain injuries (TBI) [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

[…] in attention or memory Three or more symptoms that last at least 3 months and have an onset shortly after head trauma or represent substantial worsening of previous symptoms [momsteam.com]

Impaired concentration and attention span 16. Periods of confusion 17. Difficulty learning new material BACK TO RESEARCH PAGE [drkant.com]

Hypoglycemia

[…] paying attention, or confusion Tingling sensations around the mouth Seizure The symptoms of hypoglycemia may resemble other problems or medical conditions. [chop.edu]

[…] paying attention, or confusion Tingling sensations around the mouth How do I treat hypoglycemia? [web.archive.org]

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

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sometimes, the only problems that a child with OSA may show are difficulties with paying attention, behavioural problems and learning difficulties. [rch.org.au]

Behavior problems or sleepiness — may include irritability, crankiness, frustration, hyperactivity, and difficulty paying attention. [chop.edu]

Depression

[…] with sleeping (too much or too little) difficulties with eating (too much or too little) difficulties with concentration or attention total loss of interest in enjoyable [psychcentral.com]

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]

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]

Substance Abuse

[…] focusing attention Memory loss Hallucinations Psychosocial symptoms : Agitation Irritability Abrupt changes in mood Temperament changes No longer interested in activities [crestwynbh.com]

Ketamine ( Ketalar ) can impair memory and attention. Higher doses can cause amnesia, paranoia and hallucinations, depression, and difficulty breathing. [emedicinehealth.com]

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]

Sleep Apnea

Symptoms of sleep apnea include: Frequent snoring Problems breathing during the night Sleepiness during the day Difficulty paying attention If you notice any of these symptoms [healthychildren.org]

You might have difficulty concentrating and find yourself falling asleep at work, while watching TV or even when driving. [mayoclinic.org]

[…] staying asleep (insomnia) Excessive daytime sleepiness (hypersomnia) Difficulty paying attention while awake Irritability When to see a doctor Loud snoring can indicate a [mayoclinic.org]

Dementia

Symptoms of vascular dementia include: Memory loss Confusion Language problems (aphasia) Difficulty paying attention or following a conversation Difficulty planning and organizing [stroke.org]

Attention Easily distracted Difficulty attending, unless input is restricted/simplified Decreased information-processing speed—thinking/processing takes longer than usual [asha.org]

ATTENTION IMPAIRMENT Patients with delirium demonstrate attention difficulties. They may not remember instructions and may ask that directions and questions be repeated. [web.archive.org]

Dysthymic Disorder

MDD and DD have been associated with executive function difficulties of working memory and attention. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

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]

Psychosis

Particular attention shall be paid to the specific difficulties encountered by the analyst in the interpretative treatment of the trauma resulting from the amount of psychic [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Cognitive difficulties This means that a person may have difficulties with paying attention, remembering or understanding concepts. [stpatricks.ie]

Changed behaviour This means that the person may have difficulties performing usual activities such as school work, paid work or hobbies. [stpatricks.ie]

Chronic Alcoholism

[…] paying attention. [searidgealcoholrehab.com]

The permanent effects that can result from long-term drinking are difficulty with problem-solving, long term memory loss, deficiencies in short term memory and difficulties [searidgealcoholrehab.com]

Hydrocephalus

Consequences of chronic hydrocephalus may include precocious puberty in girls, learning disorders (eg, difficulties with attention, information processing, and memory), loss [merckmanuals.com]

Older children may also be tested for speech, coordination, attention and memory difficulties. [neuro.memorialhermann.org]

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Quality of attention in chronic fatigue syndrome: subjective reports of everyday attention and cognitive difficulty, and performance on tasks of focused attention. [doi.org]

Ray CPhillips LWeir W Quality of attention in chronic fatigue syndrome: subjective reports of everyday attention and cognitive difficulty, and performance on tasks of focused [doi.org]

[…] short-term memory, reduced attention span, poor memory for recent events, difficulty with planning or organising your thoughts, difficulty finding the right words to say, [patient.info]

Fibromyalgia

Known as fibro fog or dyscognition, this symptom comprises difficulties with complex cognitive processes including memory, executive function, concentration and attention. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

Memory and Thinking Problems The term “fibro fog” is often used to describe; difficulty paying attention or performing simple mental tasks and being forgetful or having poor [arthritis.org]

Abstract Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain and tenderness; however, comorbid cognitive difficulties are a common complaint among patients. [dx.doi.org]

Bipolar Disorder

It is well established that pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) not only presents with affected dysregulation but also cognitive difficulties in working memory, attention, verbal [doi.org]

[…] span and difficulty remembering irritation, possibly triggered by noises, smells, tight clothing, and other things that would usually be tolerated or ignored an inability [medicalnewstoday.com]

This explains the possibility that cognitive enhancers may be needed post-mood stabilization, based on medications used or to improve the residual attention difficulties intrinsic [doi.org]

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

[…] falling or staying asleep; • Hypervigilance; • Exaggerated startle response; • Difficulty with concentration or attention; • Restricted range of affect. [medscape.com]

It illustrates difficulties clinicians face in discriminating between the effects of developmental delay, traumatic brain injury, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

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

Hypothyroidism

[…] span, hyperactivity, insomnia, and behavior difficulties) ( 29 ). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

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]

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]

Schizophrenia

Cognitive symptoms include difficulties with attention, concentration and memory. [camh.ca]

Other symptoms include: Unusual thoughts or perceptions Disorders of movement Difficulty speaking and expressing emotion Problems with attention, memory and organization No [mentalhealth.gov]

Cognitive symptoms include memory and attention deficits, lack of organization and difficulty in relationships. [news-medical.net]

Late-Onset Depression

Impaired thinking and reasoning ability, such as memory problems, difficulty with comprehension, and short attention span. [myhealth.alberta.ca]

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]

Hyperthyroidism

concentrating; may be diagnosed with "late-onset" attention deficit disorder Feeling of a “lump” in the throat The vast majority of hyperthyroidism cases are caused by Graves [chop.edu]

Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: increased appetite nervousness restlessness inability to concentrate weakness irregular heartbeat difficulty sleeping fine, brittle [healthline.com]

Increased appetite — with or without weight loss Increased number of bowel movements per day Heat intolerance (always feeling warm) Decreased or poor school performance Difficulty [chop.edu]

Autosomal Dominant Mental Retardation Type 5

Some children demonstrate attentional difficulties or mild speech articulation difficulties or delay. [massgeneral.org]

Some common symptoms include rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, changes in eyes and vision, tremors and muscle weakness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and insomnia. [tsbvi.edu]

She showed global developmental delay with delayed language, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, a nonspecific mood disorder, and autistic features. [findzebra.com]

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Common problems in people recovering from ARDS include: memory problems, such as difficulty recalling certain words or remembering people's names difficulty concentrating [hse.ie]

Patients may have difficulty weaning from mechanical ventilation. [emedicine.medscape.com]

[…] low attention span problems doing complex mental tasks, such as mental arithmetic Depression An episode of ARDS can be traumatic and frightening, and the recovery process [hse.ie]

Encephalopathy

Problems paying attention and organizing thoughts. Difficulty with balance and motor skills. [alz.org]

As the condition progresses, symptoms may include: Changes in behavior and personality Shortened attention span Depression or anxiety Difficulty sleeping Tiredness Forgetfulness [health.cvs.com]

Signs of liver disease Musty or sweet smelling breath Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) Ascites Mild Short attention span Forgetfulness Personality changes Irritability [radiology.ucla.edu]

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome

Additionally, a reduced HRV has been associated with attentional deficits and difficulty regulating emotions [ 27 ]. [karger.com]

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

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]

Hypotension

concentrating. [rarediseases.org]

concentrating (16). [onlinejacc.org]

[…] can include chest pain (angina), head and neck pain (often affecting neck and shoulders with a coat hanger distribution), and a decline in cognitive functioning such as difficulty [rarediseases.org]

Central Sleep Apnea

headaches, and difficulty performing work duties. [emedicinehealth.com]

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

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