[Double]

From reading a book, listening to a sermon, or watching the television (especially those with subtitles), I often have trouble focusing on the moment at hand, and often feel the need to reread, rehear, or rewind in order to catch up on what I missed or didn't fully comprehend.

For example, when it comes to watching my favorite 30 minute TV show, I will sometimes rewind up to nearly 20-30 times before I am finished and feeling up-to-date with what is going on in the story.

If I feel strongly towards something and am unable to go back, I will sometimes feel like I really missed out on something. There are also times where I will focus on focusing, which will cause me to lose my focus, lol

Can someone tell me what is wrong with me and how I might be able to fix my focus issues?

[Travelinglady]

As someone who was just tested for memory issues and was diagnosed with "mild cognitive impairment," I can understand your concerns. I have learned that certain mental issues can cause such focusing problems-- such as depression. And certain medications for mental issues can cause such problems as well. For example, the psychiatrist suggested that the Klonopin I take could be causing some of my difficulties. So, I am being tried on a lower dosage. Check to see what your disorders are and what meds you are taking.

(Mind you, I also have some physical problems, too, that can explain some of mine.)

[furpal]

(((Double)))
a talk with your doctor might tell you might help in diagnosing the cause of your focussing problems. lack of focus/concentration could be attributed to the illness itself which you have, or the medications or side effects of those same medications.
describe whats happening like you have here to your doctor and its likely that that person will be caring enough to be concerned about what you are experiencing.

[Double]

Originally Posted by PAYNE1

As someone who was just tested for memory issues and was diagnosed with "mild cognitive impairment," I can understand your concerns. I have learned that certain mental issues can cause such focusing problems-- such as depression. And certain medications for mental issues can cause such problems as well. For example, the psychiatrist suggested that the Klonopin I take could be causing some of my difficulties. So, I am being tried on a lower dosage. Check to see what your disorders are and what meds you are taking.

(Mind you, I also have some physical problems, too, that can explain some of mine.)

hi Payne, I'm sorry to hear to that.. I do hope things get better for you.

I have OCD and Trichotillomania (eyelash plucking), but I've never been on meds before. Aside from all the mental stuff, I also know that I probably don't eat as well as I should, don't get enough exercise, and inside I know I'm gonna have to make a lot of social changes in my real life (I'm shy), but I just haven't yet and am too anxious to do so.

[yellowted]

have you had your eyes tested, i have trouble focusing because i have one stort sighted eye and one long sighted eye, most of the time my brain automatically chooses the right eye to focus on things, but when i am tired or stressed ieverything goes blurry and i have to really try to concentrate on looking. writing on the computer jumps about when i first look at it so i have to give my equilibrium time to adjust, not that it makes much difference as i am unable to read, but it is weird to look at something you know is static but your eyes see as moving around!

[Double]

Originally Posted by yellowted

have you had your eyes tested, i have trouble focusing because i have one stort sighted eye and one long sighted eye, most of the time my brain automatically chooses the right eye to focus on things, but when i am tired or stressed ieverything goes blurry and i have to really try to concentrate on looking. writing on the computer jumps about when i first look at it so i have to give my equilibrium time to adjust, not that it makes much difference as i am unable to read, but it is weird to look at something you know is static but your eyes see as moving around!

do you wear glasses yellowted?

I've had my eyes tested.. they're not the best, but I don't think that is quite it.. I feel like I have a cognitive problem that is focused mainly around reading. I seem to have trouble reading, comprehending, and then reading some more. For instance, I've read your post about 4 times just to make sure I got it right. I don't take any medications except multivitamins

Could it be and over-active imagination/brain? I can't concentrate on just one thing most of the time because my brain just isn't being stimulated enough. I have a very hard time reading books and am now even having trouble playing video games unless they move very fast or require a lot of thinking...and if I'm watching TV or doing something else at the same time too. I also worry that I've missed things and (I don't know if it's directly related) I watch the same TV shows to the point that I can almost say the next line sometimes.

[Liinu]

Wow.. I have the exact same problem. I've always just thought its something along the lines of ADD since well.. My attention span is non existent.

I'm interested in hearing everyones opinion though.

Yes, I was going to ask if you had been tested for ADD...I got tested for ADD about 5 years ago because I could not focus at work...turned out I was just bored out of my mind (go figure).
And I have an extremely active imagination, seeing as I am an only child whose parents generally ignored her. I think I made up whole other world(s) when I was a kid.
Even in my mid-30s my imagination still goes crazy. Plus I ruminate and have OCD...other fun options as well.

[avlady]

I also think I have ADD from head injuries. How do I go about getting tested for it. Should I just ask my pshyciatrist or T? I have a hard time focusing and am daydreaming all the time.

Originally Posted by avlady

I also think I have ADD from head injuries. How do I go about getting tested for it. Should I just ask my pshyciatrist or T? I have a hard time focusing and am daydreaming all the time.

My therapist (a PhD) tested me...I was doing an IQ test at the same time (which was a bad idea) so I am not exactly sure what the ADD test entailed. I know he asked me questions and I looked at different cards though.