You misplace your keys, waver between work assignments and YouTube, and daydream during conversations.<\/p>\n
Some of it\u2019s normal \u2014 life can get pretty hectic \u2014 but how do you know if you have a more serious problem? For adults who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), this chronic inattentiveness becomes debilitating.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe see an influx of adults being diagnosed around age 38,\u201d says Timothy Wilens, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right around the time people start multitasking more, juggling jobs, families, a home, and other personal obligations \u2014 and problems focusing and staying alert seem to get worse,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
But not everyone who slacks on work or forgets appointments has ADHD; there are plenty of other reasons you may be losing focus.<\/p>\n
Here are five things that could be sucking your attention span dry. Plus: When you should consider seeing your doctor.<\/p>\n
Technology Overload<\/strong><\/p>\n Your BlackBerry, computer, cell phone, and iPod all compete for your attention \u2014 no wonder you’re distracted! To a certain point, your brain can act as secretary, keeping you organized and helping with time management. But the more multitasking you try to do, the harder it is for you to stay focused on any single task, research shows. Learning basic organizational skills, like writing down responsibilities and maintaining a day planner, can help alleviate these problems. So can taking a break from constant television, Internet, and email inundation \u2014 or setting house rules about technology-free times after dinner or before bed, for example.<\/p>\n See your doc if:<\/strong> You consistently find yourself being pulled away from important tasks and not being able to get back to them, and you can remember being this way for most of your adult life \u2014 with or without the help of the Internet or a cell phone. When the brain’s not functioning properly, you can’t bounce from task to task without being easily distracted by thoughts or background activities, says Dr. Wilens.<\/p>\n Lack of Sleep<\/strong><\/p>\n If you\u2019re missing out on sufficient shut-eye \u2014 most likely seven to eight hours a night \u2014 you\u2019re probably irritable, dealing with mind fog, and have difficulty managing daily tasks. That\u2019s a normal reaction, says Dr. Wilens. \u201cBy getting adequate rest, like hitting the sack earlier, you should get your focus back,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n See your doc if:<\/strong> You or your partner have sleep problems or constantly wake up unrefreshed, suffer from constant moodiness, and have attention issues, such as a lack of focus or ability to stay alert. You could have an undiagnosed sleep disorder or might benefit from basic sleep hygiene tips. For adults with ADHD, missing out on sleep can make symptoms worse \u2014 and simply improving nighttime habits won\u2019t fully eliminate them.<\/p>\n Poor job satisfaction<\/strong><\/p>\n Sure, everyone\u2019s unhappy at work from time to time \u2014 maybe your client presentation flopped or your boss gave you a poor performance review. And if a disorganized work environment or a boring project make it difficult to focus, that’s completely normal. But if you find that you consistently can’t complete projects \u2014 to the extent that you’re missing deadlines or getting in trouble for it \u2014 you probably need medical attention. Or a new job.<\/p>\n See your doc if:<\/strong> You have severe problems with procrastination, wander aimlessly at work, and have a past history of poor work performance or switch jobs a few times a year. Adults with ADHD consistently have difficulties completing tasks and are often considered the \u201cweak link\u201d on the team. \u201cThey struggle with a constant feeling of underachievement and with self-esteem issues,\u201d says Dr. Wilens. Across the board, they report more job changes, less tenure, and not as much enjoyment at work.<\/p>\n Too much stress<\/strong><\/p>\n Stress takes a toll on concentration, says Dr. Wilens. \u201cIt competes with your cognitive centers \u2014 the areas in the brain that are responsible for quick, sharp thoughts \u2014 so being anxious or stressed drags focus down even further,\u201d he says. Consider meditation: Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that the relaxation technique can increase your ability to block out distractions. Another study, from researchers at UCLA, suggests that in adults with ADHD, meditation improves attention and eases symptoms of anxiety and depression.<\/p>\n See your doc if:<\/strong> You have other mood disorders related to stress, such as anxiety and depression, which often coincide with ADHD. Also, consider it if stress is making inattention or distraction worse, which, in turn, is negatively impacting your job, relationships, or academics. Discussing the results with your doctor may help quantify how you’re feeling.<\/p>\n Too little exercise<\/strong><\/p>\n Mounting evidence suggests that regular exercise can keep your mind sharp and increase learning and memory capacity. It\u2019s even more crucial in adults with ADHD, who battle mental restlessness. \u201cMy patients who exercise all report that they see improvement in attention,\u201d says Dr. Wilens. Working up a sweat can also help you burn off the extra energy that causes you to feel fidgety, and it can help you sleep better at night.<\/p>\n See your doc if:<\/strong> You have a difficult time sitting still (like during a meeting or at your desk) and have an urge to constantly get up and move around the office. Or seek help if you\u2019re self-medicating by exercising too much \u2014 say, two to three hours a day \u2014 just to keep your restlessness at bay.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Source:\u00a0magazine.foxnews.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" You misplace your keys, waver between work assignments and YouTube, and daydream during conversations. Some of it\u2019s normal \u2014 life can get pretty hectic \u2014 but how do you know if you have a more serious problem? 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