QuestionI am a 17 year old female teenageer, who has a difficult time concentrating. When I study I usually forgot all the work, no matter how long and hard I study the information.This also occurs during school. I have a difficult time remembering information and become tired(sleepy) when I try. But this was not always the case, not until 4 years ago I did not have this problem. Remembering things in school is a hassle and learning seems difficult. I know something is wrong because I did not always have this problem.
My question is this treatable and is there any over the counter medicine for concentration and issues like mine? Also, could I consult my regular family doctor for this issue?
AnswerFirst, I would look for a medical problem.... I assume there is no alcohol or drug use.... even pot seriously disrupts concentrating issues.
Then I would look for other metabolic things, specifically anemia and low thyroid hormone. People can slowly get anemic from menstrual blood loss.
Proper sleep habits, avoiding caffeine/energy drinks.
All those are pretty much common sense items....
If all those have been covered, you could talk to your family doc about treatment for ADD--- attention deficit disorder.... different doctors have different opinions about it......
Over the counter stimulants, as I implied above come with a price.... people crash from energy drinks and excessive caffeine, so those aren't a good answer.
