A Strange Problem - movies & tv just don't sink in! Help!

[Statikkk]

Hi All,

Okay, I have this issue. I believe I've had this all my life, but I've only actually noticed how unusual it is over the last few years, as I became more aware of myself in general.

When I watch tv shows or movies, I find it very difficult to stay engaged. Unless it's either very simple and light, with very few characters and plots, or a topic I find very interesting, I get totally lost within a few minutes. This happens with TV shows as well. I can't get through an episode of LOST or Heroes without losing track of what's going on. I watch both shows religiously, yet if you asked me to summarize the details of what's happened in either show to date you would probably get a very basic, or inaccurate account of the story. I can watch a movie today, and watch the same movie next week, and get as much out of it the second time as I did the first [and sometimes much more].

I also fall asleep while watching movies or tv shows very easily.

Does anyone else have this problem? I've found in recent months that I've become more and more aware of this problem, whereas in the past I was suppressing it by staying out of discussions about movies, and just enjoying it for what it was worth to me. I now realize I'm missing so much of the value, and it's kind of scary. I'm otherwise a fairly [IMHO] normal individual with a successful career [though I do find it difficult to focus sometimes, and this has been my biggest weakness throughout my life]. I've never realized this to be a big deal, but now I'm starting to wonder. I've recently started to question my lack of focus in my job, and I now wonder if the two are related.

Does anyone else share this experience or have any insight as to what this may be indicating? I'd really appreciate any feedback anyone has.

Thanks in advance.

[Angela]

Is that really a problem? I'm not so sure Lost or Heroes or any movie or tv show, really are up to the speed and quality of your brain. Maybe your brain is just rejecting them because you have bigger fish to fry.

When you're really interested in something that inspires you, do you have any trouble concentrating on that?

[Lola]

Maybe you have Attention Deficit Disorder? Sometimes it doesn't really show up or start impacting your life until adulthood, especially for those of higher intelligence.

I wasn't diagnosed until I was 40, when my son got tested. I read his results and said, "Hey...that sounds like me."

There's some sites you can check out, I'll look them up and get back with you, that will help you determine if this is the case. Also, you can be tested by a psychologist if you wish.

Medication greatly helped me maintain focus and get things done but it also somewhat dampened my, shall we say, sparkling personality. (Sparkling is so much more kind than goofy. Don't you think? )

I don't do well with TV or movies either because I'm not physically engaged in the activity. Studying is another activity which requires me to somehow create a kinesthetic connection or I won't absorb the material.

[Lola]

Diagnosis of AD/HD in Adults (WWK9)

Adult ADHD: Evaluation and Treatment in Family Medicine - November 1, 2000 - American Family Physician

The WHO Adult ADD Screener

[Statikkk]

Angela - I considered that, because when it is a subject that truly inspires me I am engaged. These are usually documentaries or movies about brain stuff. For example, I had no problem staying engaged through 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' which I loved and fully understood. I feel like I'm copping out when I say that though - I don't truly believe it. I should still be able to focus on content that I enjoy but isn't up to my "intellectual stimulation level", especially if I am really trying, right?

Lola - I am wondering this too. It has started clicking with me lately that something might be wrong. I keep getting fingered for not living up to my intellectual potential. I don't think I'm lazy, because when I'm really into something I am ultra-results-oriented. When I put my mind to something, success comes really easily. But most of the time, I'm not fully engaged and therefore not living up to my potential. I've also been accused of blending into the background too often rather than standing out, in spite of my abilities.

[Angela]

Originally Posted by Statikkk

I should still be able to focus on content that I enjoy but isn't up to my "intellectual stimulation level", especially if I am really trying, right?

Why? Who made up that rule? Maybe a big part of why you enjoy it is that it gives you a respite from focusing on the bigger stuff that really grabs you. Escapism -- rest -- fun. I would hope that I wouldn't pass a quiz on "America's Next Top Model."

[Statikkk]

Angela - I don't think it's a rule, but to me it makes sense. Not being able to focus on something, especially if it's *below* what my brain can handle, should not be a problem. And the key for me is even when I make a conscious effort to focus, I still can't. Doesn't that seem strange?

Lola - thanks for the resources, I'll check them out. I did the 6-question test, and it did indicate that my answers are consistent with a diagnosis, but I'm a bit apprehensive about heeding the diagnosis of a 6-question test.

[JimOfferman]

Could just that your brain isn't wired for that, I wouldn't necessarily quantify it as a disorder.

I have some traits of autism (ability to parallel process, inability to filter streams of information), but I am not what you'd call an autistic. Although, whenever I find myself in a large crowd with lots of different conversations going on, I get a pretty good idea of what it must be like for someone who is autistic...

[Lola]

Originally Posted by Statikkk

I don't think I'm lazy, because when I'm really into something I am ultra-results-oriented. When I put my mind to something, success comes really easily.

Yeah - that's called "hyperfocus" and can be another mark of ADD.

Explore the info, maybe even talk to your doc about it. If you choose to do meds be aware you may have to play around some with the types and dosages until you get it right. The first one they put me on turned me into a raving, maniacal bitch like that *snaps fingers" (more so than usual, I mean. ). Next drug had less disturbing side-effects but took a while to get the dosage right. Then I decided I didn't want to be *normal* all the time. So I take them when I need to really focus and not the rest of the time.

If you do have ADD, it's likely you've developed coping skills over your lifetime that serve to get you through the day without too many screw-ups. And you may benefit from devising others.

I did the 6-question test, and it did indicate that my answers are consistent with a diagnosis, but I'm a bit apprehensive about heeding the diagnosis of a 6-question test.

I agree you'd want to pursue more extensive testing. One of the problems with diagnosing ADD/ADHD is there is no comprehensive test that will conclusively determine a diagnosis. That said, a battery of tests can be administered and behavior histories analyzed which when interpreted by a qualified psychologist will indicate the likelihood or not.

Personally, it was a huge relief for me to be tested and to learn that certain areas of lifetime struggle were not due to laziness, stupidity, incompetence...

[Jonathan Mead]

Statikkk, I would suggest just the opposite. Many people have a hard time concentrating on things that are below their brain level. It's because you get bored with it too easily. Perhaps your higher self is trying to tell you that you need more of a mental challenge.

[Statikkk]

I think the reason I don't really buy the idea that my brain just wants something more intellectual is that I do find the average episode of Heroes fairly complex. When I focus, it's not like I get the details really easily and everything pieces together, the way you would think it would if it was just not stimulating enough for my brain. Even when I try, I find the storyline too complicated, too many characters, etc. Does that make sense?

[JimOfferman]

Originally Posted by Statikkk

I think the reason I don't really buy the idea that my brain just wants something more intellectual is that I do find the average episode of Heroes fairly complex. When I focus, it's not like I get the details really easily and everything pieces together, the way you would think it would if it was just not stimulating enough for my brain. Even when I try, I find the storyline too complicated, too many characters, etc. Does that make sense?

How do you fare on books with lots of parallel storylines and characters? i.e. LOTR, Harry Potter, etc. Could you cope with reading several books in parallel? Do you find it easier to follow shows with a more linear story structure? (old timers like The A-Team and Knight Rider spring to mind)

Maybe you just need to train your brain to become better at parallel processing?

Or maybe light entertainment just doesn't hold your attention, as Jonathan suggests.

[Statikkk]

Him - I fare just as poorly on books with parallel storylines. I don't bother with LOTR or Harry Potter type books for this reason. I think I subconsciously find them somewhat intimidating.

I definitely do better with linear storylines, but even then I find my mind can wander. I can watch a talk show or a reality show with no problems.

I'm also pretty forgetful. At work, I can have conference calls with 3 different clients over 3 days, and a few days later forget which details are associated with which client.

How could I train my brain to become better at parallel processing? Is it just practice?