There are many conditions that create problems of attention regulation and other deficits in cognitive functioning. Unmanaged stress, substance abuse, chronic pain, ill health, poor lifestyle habits, etc., all impact our ability to learn and manage basic tasks.

To further complicate the diagnostic process, there is a high frequency of diagnoses that co-exist with AD/HD (referred to as co morbid disorders). Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and problematic substance use, could be having a greater impact than ADHD on school performance.

Importantly, and sometimes overlooked, an individual’s response to contextual factors may offer the best explanation of symptoms. Students beginning post-secondary education face a significant transition that often includes changes in living conditions, increased cognitive demands, a shift in social demands and support, a greater requirement for self-management (setting goals, monitoring progress, rallying energy and attention for boring or difficult tasks) and and many new distractions.

It is important to consider all possible contributions to problems in attention regulation or concentration difficulties. A medical check up is an important step in addressing concerns about attention and concentration. As well, counsellors can help you to learn how to manage the stress of transitions, address such conditions as depression or anxiety, or make lifestyle changes that improve students’ ability to learn. Student Learning Services can help you to adjust to the changes in learning requirements at the post-secondary level. Learning how to learn is an important step in managing the transition.

If you are having difficulties with attention regulation, get connected to those that can help you sort out what is going on.