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Why Do I Reread the Same Paragraph? 

Author: Phoebe Carter, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If you often find yourself rereading a paragraph multiple times without remembering a word, you’re not alone. Rereading concentration problems are common signs of momentary attention lapses. Your eyes are moving across the page, but your brain isn’t absorbing the meaning. 

What Causes This Reading Disconnection? 

This usually happens when your mind drifts due to stress, fatigue, or distractions. For those with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory overload, it may be a frequent experience. It reflects poor reading comprehension focus, where mental energy is scattered or overloaded. 

Here’s how attention lapses interrupt reading: 

Mind-wandering:  

You start reading with focus but end up planning dinner or replaying conversations in your head. 

Overstimulation:  

Noisy or cluttered environments make it harder for your brain to stay on the task. 

Cognitive overload:  

If you’re already mentally drained, your brain may ‘check out’ mid-sentence. 

Low interest or motivation:  

The less engaging the material, the harder it is to stay present with the words. 

To help, try reading in short bursts, taking mental breaks, and reading aloud. Using a finger or tool to guide your eyes can also ground your attention on the page. 

Improving concentration takes practice and sometimes support. 

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 difficulty concentrating.  

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.