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What Causes Difficulty Concentrating? 

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

Difficulty concentrating is a common challenge many face, but the causes of poor focus can vary significantly from person to person. While ADHD is one of the most well-known reasons for attention issues, several other factors can also contribute to concentration problems, from mental health conditions to lifestyle factors. Understanding the root causes of these attention problems is essential for finding the right solutions. 

Discover if you have ADHD

ADHD and Difficulty Concentrating 

ADHD is one of the primary causes of poor focus. Individuals with ADHD experience persistent issues with attention regulation, making it hard to focus on tasks, especially those that require sustained effort or are less stimulating. The brain’s difficulty in managing executive functions, like task initiation, prioritisation, and memory, leads to consistent difficulty concentrating and completing tasks. 

Mental Health Issues 

Mental health struggles, such as anxiety, depression, or high levels of stress, are also significant causes of poor focus. When the brain is preoccupied with negative thoughts, worry, or overwhelming emotions, it can be challenging to stay engaged in everyday tasks. Anxiety, for instance, often causes racing thoughts, which can make it harder to concentrate on a single task. 

Sleep Deprivation 

Lack of sleep is another common reason for difficulty concentrating. When the body doesn’t get enough rest, cognitive functions like focus and memory become impaired. Chronic sleep deprivation often leads to mental fatigue, making it much harder to concentrate throughout the day. 

External Factors 

Environmental distractions, such as noise, digital interruptions, or even physical clutter, can also be causes of poor focus. A disorganised workspace or multitasking can contribute to a lack of concentration, making it difficult to stay on track. 

Identifying the causes of poor focus is the first step toward finding strategies to improve concentration and reduce mental strain. 

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.