In this case, the deficit of attention is due to physiological factors, which are based on depletion of body’s resources. Let’s take a closer look at the main physiological causes:
- Physical, emotional or intellectual fatigue. In this case cognitive depletion occurs.
- Lack of sleep causes not only physical lethargy but also disruptions in cognitive skills. In this state, the ability to focus on a task for an extended period without making mistakes deteriorates.
- Monotonia is a negative mental condition, resulting from prolonged repetitive activity. This type of activity is accompanied by a decrease in the speed of mental processes and a deterioration in the concentrating ability.
- Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy and menopause: These conditions cause changes in brain function due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Exhaustion after illness: Distractibility is one of the characteristic symptoms aftera prolonged illness. This condition typically resolves within 1-2 weeks, indicating full recovery.
If you have been experiencing a persistent loss of concentration, it may indicate an underlying pathological cause that requires professional assistance from specialists. Decreased attention can be a symptom of following conditions:
- Depression.
Depression can significantly affect cognitive functioning, impairing the ability to quickly solve any tasks.
- Schizophrenia.
This mental disorder profoundly affects thinking, emotional response, and interaction with the surrounding world.
- Brain damage due to stroke, trauma or organic diseases (including tumors and Alzheimer’s disease).
In these conditions, impaired attention is just one of many neurological symptoms.
- Medication withdrawal syndrome and abstinence syndromes.
Certain medications that enhance cognitive functions can provoke temporary distractibility and suppression of higher nervous activity if they are abruptly discontinued.
Persistent distractibility is a reason to consult a neurologist. This specialist will identify the cause, make a diagnosis and recommend treatment for most conditions. If needed, other specialists such as neuropsychologists, psychotherapists or psychiatrists may be consulted.
The diagnostic process with a neurologist always begins with an examination and investigation of symptoms. Signs of inattention are observed during initial patient interviews and observations: the patient struggles to stay on topic, frequently asks for repetition and often gets distracted. Quantitative assessment of attention impairments is conducted using specific tests (such as finding numbers in Schulte tables, proofreading tests, and forward/backward counting).
If the patient exhibits clear symptoms of neurotic or other mental disorders, a comprehensive cognitive and emotional-personality assessment involving mental health specialists will be conducted. If the patient’s complaints suggest an endocrine disorder, they will be referred to an endocrinologist for further consultation. To restore cognitive functions quickly, it is recommended to to pay attention on medicines such as Modalert and Armod. Taking these medications can help you stay productive and focused throughout the entire workday.
