my patient advice logo - used for header - mypatientadvice.co.uk
All Topics
Contact Us
Free Health Updates
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

What Are the Symptoms of Difficulty Concentrating? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 15, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Concentration symptoms are often characterised by an inability to focus, stay on task, or remember important details. These symptoms can manifest in many ways, from wandering thoughts to feeling mentally drained, and can affect work, school, or daily life. Recognising the signs of poor focus is the first step towards understanding the underlying causes, such as ADHD or other health issues. 

Discover if you have ADHD

Signs of Poor Focus 

Frequent Distractions:  

If you often find your mind wandering or get distracted by small noises or external stimuli, this is a common symptom of difficulty concentrating. These distractions can prevent you from completing tasks or staying engaged with activities. 

Forgetfulness:  

Difficulty remembering tasks, appointments, or important details is another common sign. People with ADHD concentration issues often forget simple things like returning a phone call or completing a work task because they can’t focus long enough to retain the information. 

Difficulty Completing Tasks:  

Individuals with concentration symptoms may start projects but struggle to finish them. They might jump between tasks without completing any or feel overwhelmed by the effort it takes to follow through. 

Procrastination:  

Putting off tasks, especially ones that require sustained attention, is a frequent sign of poor concentration. This may result in unfinished work or a build-up of tasks that feel mentally exhausting. 

Mental Fatigue:  

Feeling mentally drained or having trouble thinking clearly is also linked to concentration symptoms. When it’s hard to focus, the brain becomes fatigued more quickly, making it difficult to stay productive. 

If you experience these signs of poor focus regularly, it may be helpful to explore potential underlying causes, such as ADHD or stress-related issues, with a healthcare professional. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations to better understand how brain imaging can inform ADHD treatment.  

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to ADHD misconceptions.  

Discover if you have ADHD
Phoebe Carter, MSc
Author

Phoebe Carter is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Applied Psychology. She has experience working with both children and adults, conducting psychological assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, and delivering evidence-based therapies. Phoebe specialises in neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, and learning disabilities, as well as mood, anxiety, psychotic, and personality disorders. She is skilled in CBT, behaviour modification, ABA, and motivational interviewing, and is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care to individuals of all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.