Can't concentrate on reading.

[Ashfaren]

I can't concentrate on reading work at all, frequently get lost in thoughts one after the other imagining ideas, scenarios, situations , etc. I also can't absorb any information which someone is explaining to me verbally or while i am reading or watching movie, etc. Can't work bcoz i have extreme difficulty in following instructions because i can't keep the points in my memory at all. I can't take stimulants bcoz my anxiety increases severely while taking them. Haven't found any alternative yet. Do any of you struggle with same issues? What are alternative medicines with less/no side effects to cope?

[FAMOUSMILITIA]

Hello,

I’ve struggled with the same issues. I think you'll find the following beneficial. If you haven't already, please visit this site:

chadd.org/for-adults/medica...

Good luck

[ADHD33 in reply to FAMOUSMILITIA]

Funny, I clicked on the link famousmilitia posted and seeing all the small text I didn’t even bother trying to read it! (Though it does look like great information!) I have the same challenge reading/listening/remembering. I’ve come up with some coping strategies that don’t involve medication. They aren’t perfect, but they help a lot when I can’t take medicine and may be helpful for you too! The thing that helps me the most is making the listening or reading “active”. I absolutely HAVE to take notes (Which also helps by having lists to refer to when I can’t remember things)... so I often keep a pen and note pad with me. I’ve done this during meetings, classes, and even first week at a new job (and generally continuing on after that). For reading, it helps me to read out loud... often I turn on dictation in Word and read the important points into an outline. It then makes it more active and also less challenging to re-read or study later when it’s just the key sentences in an outline. When I need to force myself to focus when its really difficult my best trick is to try and get on the elliptical or a stationary bike and read while moving (but just be careful not to fall). When I was in school I got into really good shape I also do better reading in noisy public (rather than a quiet room) when there is a ton of stimulation... somehow that makes me zone in better — and then after an hour or so when focus becomes more difficult, switching locations (eg. From coffee shop to diner) helps reset. Hope some of those help. Cheering for you - good luck!!!!

[WindowtotheStars in reply to ADHD33]

Those are good. I also have to have busy noise around me whether it is the actual environment or listening to music or movies/TV (for me, they have to be ones I've seen before so I can have it in the background without being invested).

[gphill56]

In addition to strategies such as those listed by ADHD33, there are a few non-stimulant medications, such as Straterra, that you could look into. I have anxiety and depression in addition to my ADHD, and I take atomoxetine (generic Straterra). There are also some medications that are used for both anxiety and ADHD (not sure what they are, but ask your doctor. I also always suggest that people check ADDitudemagazine.org as a potential resource. They have a TON of useful information and links.

Good luck!

Greg

[MrsKlco]

I have all my reading read to me...I’m not slow but I have The same concentration problems as you described. I can speed up the talk to match the speed of my head and it always works great.

If it’s a book try to find it on PDF or will you know.

Good luck and keep posting questions,

Renee

[406M]

ADHD33 ticked off all the boxes. Being “active” in reading and listening is essential, otherwise nothing sticks. Reading out loud involves more than one sense and is more active than either listening or reading alone. Highlighting material in books or notes with different colors can also be beneficial (everything having to do with point A in green, point B in yellow, etc. ). One other thing to try - even if you’re not artistic, make simple drawings that summarize a point. Most ADDers are highly visual learners.