Attention Issues: Overcoming Exam Anxiety and Focus Challenges

Q: Attention Issues: Overcoming Exam Anxiety and Focus Challenges

Hello, internet user： From your description, you are concerned that you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). <br>You feel that your attention is not focused, and you often find yourself unable to complete exams. <br>Even though you understand subjects like ma

Cognitive speed, attention?

I currently have generalized anxiety disorder, and both my counselor and previous psychiatrist suspect that I may have attention deficit issues.
I would like to inquire about the problem of never being able to finish exams.
Despite being well-prepared and able to answer every question, I have never completed a math exam since middle school.
Since high school, with the increased calculations in physics and chemistry, I have encountered the same issue as in math.
I am always the slowest when it comes to writing exams, without exception.
This has had a devastating impact on my academic journey and has even led me to consider giving up on pursuing graduate studies.
I can answer all the questions on an exam but only score between 50 and 60 points, while others can achieve scores above 90 or even over 100 without any pauses or difficulties.
I would like to ask what factors could be contributing to this? Is there a chance for improvement? In my daily life, I often misplace things; for example, I might find a charging cable but forget where I placed the charging head I was holding just moments ago.
I might find my phone, but while looking for my wallet, I forget where I put my phone.
Based on online self-assessments and feedback from my middle school teachers, family, counselor, and doctor, it seems I have attention deficit issues, primarily characterized by inattention rather than hyperactivity.
However, during elementary school, I did have issues with emotional regulation, becoming easily angry or sad, which sometimes led to aggressive behavior towards others.
I provide this information for the doctor's reference.

Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/02/27

Dr. Liao Dinglie reply Psychiatry

Hello, internet user: From your description, you are concerned that you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
You feel that your attention is not focused, and you often find yourself unable to complete exams.
Even though you understand subjects like mathematics, physics, and chemistry, you still struggle to finish.
You experience a disconnect between your sense of time during exams and reality, which further diminishes your confidence.
In fact, a person's perception of time is influenced by many factors, and emotions and attention can indeed affect this sense of time.

In psychiatry, ADHD refers to a condition where attention may develop less effectively compared to peers of the same age, leading to subjective distress and objective performance decline.
Attention and persistence typically improve with adulthood, so comparing yourself to your past self can show progress.
In child and adolescent psychiatry, we may prescribe medication to help enhance focus, which is beneficial for learning and developing life skills—two important aspects of growth.
Since growth cannot be repeated, it is advantageous to seize this golden period of development with sufficient attention.
Now that you are an adult, although you still feel troubled by attention difficulties, you should recognize that there are many ways to learn.
For example, you can have teachers explain concepts in class, watch instructional videos, observe demonstrations, practice hands-on, gather information independently, discuss with classmates and teachers, or engage in mock exam practices.

Of course, you may have concerns about your academic performance, as assessments sometimes evaluate the "process" and other times the "results." Your level of focus and speed in answering questions may receive lower scores when attention is lacking, which is more likely to occur in larger-scale exams.
However, graduate programs emphasize understanding, initiative, and teamwork, where your strengths will gradually emerge.
You have already navigated the relatively challenging primary and secondary school years, and the difficulties in graduate school and future workplaces may actually be lower.

Your attention has improved since childhood, and the adult world places greater importance on genuine understanding, application, and collaboration with others.
Attention is just one component among many; intelligence, enthusiasm, initiative, and teamwork are also crucial.
Regarding medication, adults are less likely to continue using ADHD medications, primarily because attention is generally sufficient for most adults.
You currently have a physician and a counselor to help address anxiety, which will enhance your quality of life and adaptability to your environment.

Every stage of life presents its own challenges, but maintaining "mental health" for overall well-being is a lifelong endeavor.
You are aware of your weaknesses, but you can also cultivate your strengths.
In your future journey, supporting each other with friends, family, and partners holds great potential.
If you still have questions about medication, you can discuss them further with your physician.

Wishing you clarity and increased confidence,
Dr.
Liao Ding-Lie

Reply Date: 2022/02/27

More Info

Exam anxiety and attention issues are common challenges that many students face, and they can significantly impact academic performance. Your experience of consistently not finishing math and science exams, despite being well-prepared, suggests that there may be underlying factors contributing to your difficulties. Let's explore some potential reasons for your situation and discuss strategies for improvement.

Understanding the Factors
1. Anxiety and Pressure: Anxiety can create a mental block that affects your ability to focus and perform under pressure. When you enter an exam room, the fear of not finishing or not performing well can lead to a heightened state of stress, which may hinder your cognitive functions, including memory recall and problem-solving abilities.

2. Attention Deficit Issues: Given your history of attention difficulties, it’s possible that you may have an attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These conditions can manifest as challenges in sustaining attention, organizing tasks, and managing time effectively. This could explain why you often find yourself distracted or unable to complete tasks, even when you know the material.

3. Perfectionism: If you have a tendency toward perfectionism, you may spend too much time on each question, striving for a perfect answer rather than moving on to complete the exam. This can lead to time management issues during tests.

4. Cognitive Overload: In subjects like math, physics, and chemistry, the complexity of problems can lead to cognitive overload, especially if you are anxious. This can make it difficult to process information quickly and accurately, resulting in slower writing speeds.

Strategies for Improvement
1. Practice Relaxation Techniques: Incorporate relaxation strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation into your routine. These techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve focus. Practicing these techniques regularly can help you enter the exam room with a calmer mindset.

2. Time Management Skills: Develop a strategy for managing your time during exams. Practice taking timed quizzes or mock exams to simulate the testing environment. Allocate a specific amount of time for each question and stick to it. If you find yourself stuck on a question, move on and return to it later if time permits.

3. Chunking Information: Break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts. This can help reduce feelings of overwhelm and make it easier to focus on one aspect of the problem at a time.

4. Seek Professional Help: Since you have already consulted with a therapist and psychiatrist, consider discussing your concerns about attention issues further. They may recommend cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other therapeutic approaches that can help you develop coping strategies for anxiety and attention difficulties.

5. Medication: If your attention issues are significantly impacting your academic performance, medication may be an option to discuss with your healthcare provider. Stimulant medications, such as those used for ADHD, can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity.

6. Create a Study Routine: Establish a consistent study schedule that includes breaks to prevent burnout. Use techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, where you study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This can help maintain your focus and energy levels.

7. Positive Self-Talk: Challenge negative thoughts about your abilities. Instead of thinking, "I will never finish this exam," try reframing it to, "I am prepared, and I will do my best." Positive affirmations can help build confidence and reduce anxiety.

8. Organizational Tools: Use planners, to-do lists, and organizational apps to keep track of your study materials and deadlines. This can help reduce the cognitive load of remembering everything and allow you to focus on your studies.

Conclusion
While the challenges you face with exam anxiety and attention issues can feel overwhelming, there are effective strategies to help you improve your focus and performance. By addressing both the psychological and practical aspects of your situation, you can work towards overcoming these obstacles. Remember, it’s essential to be patient with yourself as you implement these changes, and don’t hesitate to seek support from professionals who can guide you on this journey.

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