Hi, i'm a 20 year old student and i've found myself not being able to focus in class. i'm very inattentive. when i was younger i attended a school for learning disabilities, but i never took any medication for it. as of late, i've been struggling in class

Inattention: see your primary care or a psychiatrist to be evaluated for Attention Defecit disorder, you may benefit from stimulant medication to improve your attention such that you will do well at school. All the best

Attention: The first place to start would be the counseling department at the University or college you are attending. They should have resources to help you, they may even have some therapists you can see. I would also see your doctor if you are home, if not consider the student health center or referrals from the counseling center.

Have evaluation: You should start with your doctor to determine medical conditions that can cause your symptoms. If none found ask for a referral to s neuropsychologist to identify the cause of your problem. After testing consult a neurologist or psychiatrist if medication seems called for.

First see a doctor: to be sure there is not a medical reason for this. Simple anemia can cause loss of focus. Stress is an epidemic problem in college students these days and that, too can be a cause. If you have a learning disability and or ADD your school disability counselor can refer you for evaluation and recommended accommodation as well as medication if indicated. Make an appointment.

Request your confi-: dential student file from your High School to get the evaluations (called MDT's) that conferred your eligibility for Special Ed, the " treatment" for your Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) in Reading, Written Expression &/or Math. Your college needs a neuropsychological evaluation done within the past 3 years to give you legal ADA accommodations for SLD &/or ADHD-Primarily Inattentive Type.

Try a stimulant: As the intellectual demand becomes more abstract people with processing problems are more likey to have identifiable attention/focus problems. It might be worth trying a stimulant , like vyvanse, (lisdexamfetamine) concerta, adderall. Taking a stimulant with help anyone focus better, side effect may be limiting, some people do not tolerate them, there are some non-stimulant options ie strattera also

Can be treated: There are many causes of problems focusing and concentrating, and learning disorders are often not fully assessed initially. Yes, medication and other approaches are readily available and would contact student health service and get referred for intervention. You will find improvement in modern approaches to your issues.