The link between ADHD and concentration problems

People with ADHD often have difficulty concentrating and staying focused on a task. Concentration problems can create challenges both at work and in daily life. It can be frustrating to be constantly distracted and unable to finish things. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce concentration problems and improve productivity. In this blog, we will delve deeper into the causes of concentration problems in ADHD and share tips and strategies to improve concentration and make the most of each day.

ADHD in Belgium and the Netherlands

According to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, about 5% of children and 2.5% of adults worldwide have ADHD. In Belgium and the Netherlands, exact figures on the prevalence of ADHD and ADD are not available, but it is estimated that about 3-5% of school-age children and 1-3% of adults have ADHD or ADD in Belgium. In the Netherlands, it is estimated that about 3-5% of children and 2-4% of adults have ADHD or ADD.

Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but in general the symptoms of ADHD include:

Inattention: difficulty holding attention, being distracted, having difficulty concentrating on tasks, forgetfulness, difficulty organizing tasks, frequently losing things and making careless mistakes.
Hyperactivity: restlessness, having trouble sitting still, constant fidgeting, talking loudly and moving restlessly.
Impulsivity: making impulsive decisions, having trouble waiting for turns, interrupting others and having few inhibitions.

ADHD + concentration

There are several causes of concentration problems in ADHD, including:

Reduced activity in the frontal brain regions: In people with ADHD, the frontal brain areas responsible for regulating attention, planning and impulse control are less active than in people without ADHD. This can lead to problems focusing attention and controlling impulsive behavior.
Neurotransmitter imbalances: ADHD is associated with an imbalance in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating attention and mood, and an imbalance can lead to concentration problems and other symptoms of ADHD.
Excessive stimulation: People with ADHD are often hypersensitive to stimuli in their environment. This can lead to overstimulation and distraction, making it difficult to focus on a single task.
Sleep problems: People with ADHD often have sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep and waking up early. This can lead to fatigue and difficulty concentrating during the day.

How to focus better despite ADHD?

There are several tips and strategies you can follow if you experience concentration problems due to ADHD. Here are some suggestions:

Take advantage of planning and organization: ADHD can cause problems in organizing and planning tasks. Therefore, use tools, such as an agenda or to-do list, to plan and organize tasks. This will make it easier to keep track and complete tasks more efficiently.
Remove distractions: Distractions can interfere with concentration. Try to avoid distractions by isolating yourself in a quiet room or muting sounds. Also try to turn off or limit your phone, social media or other distracting applications while working on a task.
Make use of visual aids: Visual aids, such as colored markers and notes, can help you better remember and organize information. For example, use colored markers to highlight important information or use notes to remember important information.
Consider medication: Medication or natural remedies, such as our focus gummies, can help reduce symptoms of ADHD and improve concentration.

Do you have concentration problems due to some reason? Read our blog I have concentration problems, now what?