Fun thread...

Do you take meds for your concentration difficulties? Do you employ therapeutic techniques for coping with poor concentration?

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Me: I take Ritalin twice a day. I take a Ritalin LA capsule (which is basically 2 doses in one since it releases 1 hour after taking it, and then 4 hours again after that) and a Ritalin IR tablet.

Nothing therapeutic helped me with my concentration. I've tried. I have ADHD, though.

I have really bad memory issues, and that in turn affects my consontration

example: I could be carrying out a task, forget what I was doing, but in sted of sitting down and trying to remember it, I just lose consontration, and lose interest

I would say my average focus time is between 15/ 30 minits, an that's on a good day

[stahrgeyzer]

It's hard to focus when you go in life from one moment of getting teary eyed just listening to a song in the background to feeling like a cold piece of worthlessness to sadness to irritation to ecstasy. That's not normal! I guess that's one reason my psychologist is sending me to a psychiatrist for meds.

[Blue_Bird]

I have a hard time focusing. I'm working on improving it though. I don't take meds for it, I'm just doing things like making myself take breaks when reading then going longer each time so eventually my focus improves

[Sometimes psychotic]

I have attention deficit too and I swear I never had it before psychosis...i used to be able to read like 6hrs straight. They recommended I not take a stimulant because of the psychosis though. Fish oil has some positive effects though it’s not 100% I think it depends on how severe the condition is.

I answered "No". I don't believe I have any concentration issues anymore. In fact, I'd say that in some ways, my concentration abilities have improved compared to most years of my life. This hasn't been the case during my worse years with bipolar disorder. I do believe some bipolar medications negatively affected my ability to concentrate, however, my current medications don't. Perhaps a couple used to, but that cleared up. I think many factors have contributed to this improvement. I mentioned some in the other thread you posted today, bluebicycle.

[VerMOZZica]

I have concentration difficulties. I used to be able to read for hours and now it`s difficult for me to even read for 10 minutes if that. I even have trouble sometimes focusing on a conversation. It really bothers me.

Originally Posted by VerMOZZica

I have concentration difficulties. I used to be able to read for hours and now it`s difficult for me to even read for 10 minutes if that. I even have trouble sometimes focusing on a conversation. It really bothers me.

I'm a lot like VerMOZZica on this one. Lately I've been trying to read more. I find myself reading in very short segments because I can't keep my attention focused. I am enjoying my readings but every few pages (on average 8-10) I have to put it down. I can't seem to do much anymore for longer period of time.

[daladico]

Originally Posted by VerMOZZica

I have concentration difficulties. I used to be able to read for hours and now it`s difficult for me to even read for 10 minutes if that. I even have trouble sometimes focusing on a conversation. It really bothers me.

I relate to this- I have such a hard time with focus and it really affects me. It makes most days significantly challenging. It takes all my effort to make it through work... I can’t focus on movies or reading... have terrible memory/recall, and have trouble completing tasks.

I saw a psychologist who basically told me I’m too “high functioning” to have ADHD because I’m “successful” and “made it through college.” She said my “symptoms aren’t affecting me enough” which is bs because these symptoms are significantly affecting me daily, I just somehow find workarounds to somehow keep going.

I was tested for cognitive testing which definitely could be the cause... don’t get results till next week.

I’m eager to learn ways to better manage this because it’s impacting my life way too much...

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by stahrgeyzer

It's hard to focus when you go in life from one moment of getting teary eyed just listening to a song in the background to feeling like a cold piece of worthlessness to sadness to irritation to ecstasy. That's not normal! I guess that's one reason my psychologist is sending me to a psychiatrist for meds.

I am sorry you are having such a difficult time. :
hang in there. How soon do you see a psychiatrist?
I do thi nk you will feel better with a mood stabilizer.

[TheSadGirl]

Yes I do. I take concerta to calm my brain and that helps a lot with my focus.

[yellow_fleurs]

I voted mild/moderate, but sometimes it is severe and impacts my daily functioning to the point I cannot get any work done or do basic tasks. However, after exercising the past couple days my concentration has improved a little bit so I am feeling optimistic in my response