distractibility

distractibility

[distrak′tibil′itē]

Etymology: L, dis + trahere, to draw apart

a mental state in which attention does not remain fixed on any one subject but wavers or wanders.

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distractibility

Psychiatry The inability to maintain attention; shifting from one area or topic to another with minimal provocation Significance Sign of organic impairment, or a part of a functional disorder–eg, anxiety states, mania, or schizophrenia

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Patient discussion about distractibility.

Q. I have a 19 year old daughter who is very distractible and is diagnosed with ADHD. I have a 19 year old daughter who is very distractible and is diagnosed with ADHD. She has a brilliant mind but she cannot finish any of her work. While doing her homework she gets distracted by the light coming from the other room and even during exams she often drifts and leaves sections undone. I know it’s very difficult for her to concentrate on one part of the work. What should she do? Please tell if you have tried.

A. Some medicines are there which can be taken on doctor’s advice. Apart from that you can also explain her to put her problem to the one she is talking, before she gets distracted. Tell her to maintain her eye contact while talking to any one so though she can remain focused. Train her by showing some signal about her distraction. Let her explain about this signal based indication whenever she gets distracted to all her friends so though she can remain with her attention. Tell her to sit close to the lecturer whenever in a class to avoid any distractions. Help her develop a habit to note down whatever thoughts or important information she gets and before she forgets.