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Lack of Concentration in Teens

Lack of concentration is characterized by the decreased ability to focus on tasks and is related to inattention, sleepiness or hyperactivity. There are a variety of problems that cause lack of concentration in teens, including sleep disorders, depression or drug abuse. By identifying the cause of a teenager's lack of concentration, you can solve the problem.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms of poor concentration include memory loss, forgetfulness or disinterest. While some teenagers may display low energy, they may also be overactive. Other symptoms include lethargy, headache, nausea, fatigue or fever. More extreme symptoms include seizures, difficulty breathing or loss of coordination. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.

    Causes

    • Causes of lack of concentration are also vast. Fatigue from stress or insufficient sleep is one major cause of poor concentration. Poor diet also causes health problems in teens. Poor concentration is one major symptom of depression and anxiety. Teenagers may also simply feel unmotivated or bored, so their concentration will falter. Other causes include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, drug use, insomnia, chronic fatigue syndrome or premenstrual syndrome.

    Remedies

    • Encourage your teen to engage in activities they enjoy. If a teenager is motivated to do something, they will likely be able to concentrate better. Use praise and encouragement rather than criticism. Reward successes and do not dwell on difficulties. Provide a healthy diet that follows the food pyramid; too much sugar or caffeine is not good for a teenager, but eating fruits, vegetables and protein gives him fuel for concentration.

    Considerations

    • If your teen is experiencing a great deal of lack of concentration, seek medical help. Poor concentration may be a sign of more serious medical conditions. Do not be afraid to talk to your teen about why he thinks he is not concentrating well. Your child might not be able to talk about what he is feeling, so seek the help of a counselor if necessary. Medications should be used under the care and maintenance of a health care professional. If a proper diagnosis of the cause of poor concentration is reached, then treating it should fix the problem.

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