[RyanT]

Anyone here have difficulty concentrating?

I am not ADD or ADHD but have been having difficulty concentrating for over a year now, ever since a med change. Today I got back on the meds I was on when I was able to concentrate so we will see what happens.

It is frustrating not being able to keep up with a TV show, read a book, or keep up with a conversation.

[jpb4815]

I have difficulty concentrating, I have often wondered if I am ADD or ADHD.

[RyanT]

Originally Posted by jpb4815

I have difficulty concentrating, I have often wondered if I am ADD or ADHD.

I have never been formally tested for it...well thinking back, in 2008 I did have psychological testing done, not sure if they tested for that.

But I have a mom who is a nurse (currently school nurse.) She said that it has to be persistent for it to be ADHD. Since my concentration has come and gone in the last 10 years since my onset, most of the time was spent with good concentration, she doesn't think I have it.

My therapist of 7 years doesn't think I have it.

It has been tied to antidepressants, in the past. So I got off of them several months ago thinking my concentration would return, but it never did.

[Daonnachd]

Poor concentration may stem from not only medication side effects, but also from mania and depression. You're so right. It's horrible to not be able to read a book.

[Victoria'smom]

I can't read posts half the time. My concentration is so shot.

[hopeless2015]

I struggle with this, it seems like since pdoc upped my anxiety meds a couple weeks ago I'm doing a little better...time will tell if this lasts

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[Unrigged64072835]

I struggle with this. My depression does this.

[NoIdeaWhatToDo]

I have a terrible time with it when working, sometimes. I get nervous when it gets really bad that someone will notice and it will become a major problem.

[alincdytyourmeds]

I have a real hard time lately forming words. I couldn't answer a question at work my mind went totally blank for what seemed like forever i just stood there. It really scared me. And I am on adderal not so much for add, more for fatigue issues.

[RyanT]

It usually went hand in hand with an anti depressant. Get put on an anti depressant, concentration goes down...come off, it goes back up. But I got taken off of my anti depressant several months ago and concentration hasn't returned.

I don't know if it's depression related either, as I have had many periods of stability since my concentration has gone.

[JustJace2u]

I too struggle with my concentration. I seem to get lost in space as it were if I'm reading, watching tv or trying to study.

[fishin fool]

I have had trouble concentrating all my life.
Found out late in life that I also have ADD.
Wish I knew years ago.

Yes, I do, too. It is one of the symptoms of bipolar disorder. It also could be med side effects or ADHD, etc.

I couldn't concentrate on reading for a few years which I hated. My concentration returned. Maybe it was med-related then.

I take Wellbutrin for depression and for its ADHD properties. My pdoc said I don't have ADHD and that my concentration problems are due to bipolar disorder. He tries to keep me away from meds that create "brain fog," like Topamax. He calls it Dopamax lol

Also, if I miss a few days of sleep - my focus and concentration are in the trash can until I sleep. So insomnia can be a factor for a lot of us.

[ComfortablyNumb5]

I'm not ADD but geodon makes me plain stupid. I can't even remember what I ate or people's names etc. I feel stupid but stable lol

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[fairydustgirl]

My dr actually prescribed namenda for the concentration/memory issues...I don't have alz. But it is a common thing with bipolar, that cognitive effects are there even during periods of stability. This is a question that came up to me several years ago and why I came to PC, to ask this type of question of my fellow bipolar people.
I do however have an ADD dx, and can take nothing for it because it triggers mania. wellbutrin, stimulants both...and strattera did nothing for the symptoms. I just make LOTS of lists if I have something that must get done.

[JustJace2u]

Originally Posted by fishin fool

I have had trouble concentrating all my life.
Found out late in life that I also have ADD.
Wish I knew years ago.

Same thing happened with me. If I had known years ago I might have actually done well in school and not be where I am today

[VerMOZZica]

I also have trouble concentrating.I used to be able to sit and read and read.But now I can only read a book a little at a time.I also really hate that my mind wanders when in conversation with other people.

Yeah, I have difficulties concentrating as well.

According to a psychologist, I have "moderate to severe ADHD" (whatever that means). Then my Lamictal Rx creates brain fog, and, well, you can imagine what that does to my already awful concentration... And combine that with depression? Can you say totally f**ked?