Scatterbraindeness

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I will be frank about this.... but I am a scatterbrain. I cannot think of another charitably-speaking term for it, but that's what it is.

When I was in HS, and continuing into today, my mind was transfixed on so many other things, I could not focus on the studies at had in class; as a result, I did have my helpers help me, and that helped me a bit. But when I am on my own, I just cannot stop this 'traffic' from being controlled, so not much gets done.

How do you guys feel? And what can be done to help it?

Same thing here, is the reason why im not going to classes too much, and when i go i usually just put my earplugs and listen to the music i like, just take notes and study whe i get concentrated at home, if i get concentracted, the only thing that sometimes keep my mind a little bit controled, is to listen the music i like.

I can't seem to concentrate very well, unless I'm being electronically stimulated. Then, I can hyperfocus. It's weird, but it's true. I think it's partly that there's just so much to do on the computer. So, if I get bored with something, I move on. But I can't, for example, concentrate on cleaning my apartment.

Become solely responsible for some indispensable activity such as preparing meals for yourself and perhaps the whole family.

Need is very compelling. Whenever someone is responsible for supplying for a need, focus becomes increasingly more accessible as time passes.

It's possible you might have ADHD (or ADD which it used to be technically called). Have you checked that out? I have both Asperger's and ADHD and can tell when my ADHD flares.

*nods* Eeyup. I've had this for like, years.

What's interesting is that I was diagnosed with inattentive ADHD when I was 12, before my PDD-NOS diagnosis.

I think I was diagnosed with ADHD IIRC at 7 or 8.

A prescription for adderall xr will clear that all up. Don't do like I used to and use a month's worth in a week though, it's not good for you.

edit: If you have difficulties with sleep as you've indicated elsewhere, it can help with that, too. If you're buzzing and wide awake all day, when it's time to go to sleep you're more likely to feel exhausted.

I am notorious for needing to pick up two things at the store, and maybe coming back with one of them. I can also forget my task at hand walking from one room to the next. My last therapist gave me a five minute computer test for ADHD, but I guess I did okay there.
The only things that have helped me are keeping a less hectic schedule, and lots of written lists.

Does anybody have any solutions for this 'scatterbrainedness'? My mind seems to wander a LOT!

OK........ I guess I could try that, buttoneater.

I have chronic scatterbrain-ness. Fortunately it has always been very bad. Yes, I am fortunate becuase I was forced at an early stage of life to develop compensating mechanisms such as list-making. On the down-side my multiple checking of things is a bitobvious to others. I travel a lot internationally and I am absolutely crazy nuts keeping track of plane tickets ad passports.
It seems thought that the scatterbrained thing is only about daily routines and keeping body and soul togetherl things I just don't care much about. When I focus on what I am interested in, I am utterly focussed and will remain s for a whole day. I stop at about 12 hours on any given focus point because if I go longer than that I become completely useless for a day or two afterwards.

Let it wander. It just seeks stimulation. You can't always let it wander off or you might never pay attention to people or organise yourself properly, but give yourself a day to just give into complete scatterbrainess.

You might get some good hyperfocus out of it, and who knows what will happen next. I never do. I usually get some really good ideas for my various writing projects.

Tea calms my mind down at night. You can try experimenting with food and drink to see what they do for you. A big heavy meal might actually make your thoughts turn off. That happens to me. I get so stuffed that I can't stand nor think.

Are you taking any ADHD medication? Also, exercise can help clear your mind.

What helps me is just keeping both mind and body busy. I clean, exercise, do chores, watch some downloaded TV programs and who knows what else. I just can't sit still for one second. You should me watch TV. My hands are always busy or my body might be swinging from side to side.

Also not helping my case: My inability to understand the complex readings in college textbooks- which is why I am having trouble in geology.

What ADHD medication are we talking here?