Verified answer

You need to concentrate and focus. I don't want to trivialize your question or belittle what you see as a problem - but I also see a very negative trend in our society to want to label things as disorders and make big deals out of them.

Often, what people are experiencing is a lazy brain. I would think that this is only natural, as we have replaced much of the need for us to think on a daily basis with technology. Calculators, for example, are probably the worst invention! We no longer add numbers in our head - we use a calculator. We don't HAVE to, as we are perfectly capable of doing it - but its just EASIER to use one.

Perhaps you are merely experiencing a lazy brain - one that doesn't WANT to concentrate. So you need to determine that you are stronger than that - and that YOU will overcome this laziness. Set goals and objectives, as Ryde On has suggested - and apply good old fashioned hard work to it. I would think that in no time - you will be back to optimal capacity for attention span.

Human will is incredible - if you want to do it, you will. Just don't overanalyze and allow yourself to be labelled with a disorder - and apply yourself to the task at hand!

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It's hard to lengthen it if what you're trying to focus on is boring. Try working with it, instead of against it. Meaning, when you find your attention starting to wander, take a break. (Limit your break time, however. An indefinite "break" won't get you any further ahead...lol!) And if that doesn't help, try some new study tactics. Some people are very visual learners, others auditory, and others are kinetic learners. Try and mix it up a little. (Use different approaches). What also helps is making the material you wish to learn more personally meaningful to you. What has personal significance is most easily remembered or recalled. When you listen to something, or read something, try and think of events in your life that relate to the material you are learning about.

*good luck!*

Reading helps with that. Getting into a good book or anything that will hold your attention for a long time really. Musical instrument? It's a focus thing. Slowing down from the info received from the Tv and computer will increase in need. indeed

You have to be aware at all times that you are pulling away from the conversation or whatever activity your are involved in.

You can get better at paying attention, but it actually takes practice and always knowing if you are really listening or just watching mouths move without anything registering.

Everybody does this at times with varying degrees. If yours becomes such a problem or so severe that it is affecting your life negatively, you may have treatment options and you shoud talk to your doctor about a diagnosis for your condition.

Here is a good training practice for your brain. Each night before going to sleep focus on something. I like focusing on a blank piece of paper or just my breathing. As your mind starts to wonder, bring it back to this blank piece of paper. This is a good stress release/meditation practice that also has a benefit of helping you practice focus. I am able to do this now for long periods of time. At first, I was only able to do it for a short time.

Avoid caffeine. I notice that the more caffeine I have the less I am able to focus. Also, avoid other stimulants as well - sugar. I find now that I eat whole foods and avoid high sugar items that I am able to wake up earlier and I am able to focus better.

Set task oriented goals, for example:

When I finish chapter 7, I can get a cup of coffee (not before then)

Or progressively longer time governed goals, For example, I will work on this report for 2 hours without being distracted and then take a break.

Then 2 1/2 and so on.

I personally use goal then reward, works for me.

You gotta get some............ uhhh, what was i saying???

OOH A BIRDIE!

seriously though, you could try some meds if you have ADD or ADHD.

If you are perfectly healthy then you could try some meditation, which is the focus of one thing only at a time, which would really help.

Also, try some reading, it really heightens the attention span(helps if you like the book.

Let's call this category "Cognitive Decline" because it appears to be strongly correlated with the aging process.

The herb ginkgo biloba, long used in Chinese medicine, may help you:

"This fact sheet provides basic information about the herb ginkgo--common names, uses, potential side effects, and resources for more information. The ginkgo tree is one of the oldest types of trees in the world.

Common Names--ginkgo, ginkgo biloba, fossil tree, maidenhair tree, Japanese silver apricot, baiguo, bai guo ye, kew tree, yinhsing (yin-hsing)

Latin Name--Ginkgo biloba

What It Is Used For

Ginkgo seeds have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and cooked seeds are occasionally eaten. More recently, ginkgo leaf extract has been used to treat a variety of ailments and conditions, including asthma, bronchitis, fatigue, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Today, people use ginkgo leaf extracts hoping to improve memory; to treat or help prevent Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia; to decrease intermittent claudication (leg pain caused by narrowing arteries); and to treat sexual dysfunction, multiple sclerosis, tinnitus, and other health conditions.

How It Is Used

Extracts are usually taken from the ginkgo leaf and are used to make tablets, capsules, or teas. Occasionally, ginkgo extracts are used in skin products.

What the Science Says

Numerous studies of ginkgo have been done for a variety of conditions. Some promising results have been seen for Alzheimer's disease/dementia, intermittent claudication, and tinnitus among others, but larger, well-designed research studies are needed.

Some smaller studies for memory enhancement have had promising results, but a trial sponsored by the National Institute on Aging of more than 200 healthy adults over age 60 found that ginkgo taken for 6 weeks did not improve memory.

NCCAM is conducting a large clinical trial of ginkgo with more than 3,000 volunteers. The aim is to see if the herb prevents the onset of dementia and, specifically, Alzheimer's disease; slows cognitive decline and functional disability (for example, inability to prepare meals); reduces the incidence of cardiovascular disease; and decreases the rate of premature death.

Ginkgo is also being studied by NCCAM for asthma, symptoms of multiple sclerosis, vascular function (intermittent claudication), cognitive decline, sexual dysfunction due to antidepressants, and insulin resistance. NCCAM is also looking at potential interactions between ginkgo and prescription drugs."

Wait what was question?.....ADD medication...they have both ampethamine based and non....they do work. There are pros and cons like any other medication. Short of that, in this world of snip-its and clips....and fast moving media, it's no wonder we all have failing attention spans.