While in class and during tests, many students lose focus and begin to think about their weekend plans, drama among friends or other tangents. Although the class material may simply not interest them, some students suffer from a learning disorder without knowing of it.

For the past few months, it has been an ordeal for me to stay focused during study sessions, class periods and tests. I study for four or five hours for schoolwork that should have only taken a minimal amount of time.

I would sit in my room, with my iTunes quietly playing in the background in an effort to complete my chemistry homework. Something like a text message, which should cause only a momentary distraction, would lead to a twenty minutes escapade, as it led me to answering the text, playing around on the computer, getting a snack.

Once during journalism class, I got so frustrated by my distraction that I decided to throw in the towel and take a nap on the floor. “Why can’t I focus?” I would think to myself. “Is there something wrong with me?”

My problem also caused me embarrassment. My peers would ask me why I had not completed homework. It was challenging to explain my difficulties in focusing to those who did not understand.

This extreme detraction of my attention span has been slowly creeping up on me for the past couple of years. However, the condition has become severe in the last few months.

Finally, my mother told me that she was taking me to a doctor to see about getting some help for my distraction problem.

After a session with a psychiatrist, he said that I suffered from the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD. He prescribed me one month of Vyvanse and told me to call after a month-long trial.

According to studies, between 4% and 6% of the American population suffer from some form of ADD or it’s sister disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.

While I am still in the trial period to get my dosage adjusted, I have noticed a slight difference in my own behavior. I am able to focus a lot easier and my study time has become much more efficient.

This is not to say that studying and paying attention are a cake walk now, because they still present challenges. However, the medication definitely helps. I trust that the doctors know what is best for me, and so far, I am not disappointed.