Causes of forgetfulness in adolescents

Forgetfulness can be a problem for teens.  While forgetting things can be completely normal, there are some conditions that can cause it to occur more frequently, such as depression , dyslexia, attention disorders, hypothyroidism, sleep deprivation, and substance abuse.

However, before concluding that your child has a serious problem, keep in mind that organizational skills typically improve as teens mature. In this sense, you do not have to worry too much without your teenager having some forgetfulness, as it can be temporary. Although if you worry more than necessary or you think that these forgetfulness are too serious, you can take him to the doctor to discuss your concerns about it.

Next, we are going to tell you some of the most common causes that can cause adolescents to have frequent forgetfulness. In these cases, it would be appropriate for you to speak with a professional so that in this way, you could improve your child’s memory, something that would be good for both in the short and long term.

DEPRESSION

Adolescents have less life experience than adults . They are beginning to develop coping skills to respond to problem situations, so difficulties can weigh on them more than adults realize. Depression or anxiety can also cause short-term memory loss and trouble concentrating. Other signs of depression include withdrawal from family, friends, and favorite activities, as well as changes in grades and sleep patterns.

DYSLEXIA

The dyslexia involves academic difficulties with reading, spelling and writing. But it can also be a cause of disorganization and forgetfulness. Dyslexic teens can experience short-term memory lapses that make it difficult to remember phone numbers, follow instruction lists, and take notes at school. They may appear forgetful, losing track of conversations or not listening to everything that is being said.

ATTENTION DISORDERS

Adolescents who have learning difficulties or attention deficit disorders can be forgetful due to a dearth of “executive function” skills. Executive functions include the skills to remember, organize, and complete tasks.  They also help teens connect past experiences with choices made in the present. Adolescents who have delays in the development of executive function can also make poor social decisions due to forgetting about past learning experiences.

HYPOTHYROIDISM

People of all ages, from infancy to old age, can experience memory problems due to hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can sometimes cause memory problems and make it difficult to concentrate in teens. Other symptoms include weight gain, depression, slower development, dry skin , muscle weakness, and irregular menstrual periods in teenage girls.

SLEEPING DIFFICULTIES

Poor sleep habits , such as repeatedly going to bed late despite having to get up early, interfere with memory . But sleep deprivation in teens can also be caused by more serious problems, such as depression, insomnia, or narcolepsy, a disorder that causes a person to fall asleep at inappropriate times. Another disorder, sleep apnea, which causes loud snoring and a temporary interruption of breathing during sleep, causes daytime sleepiness that makes it difficult to concentrate and remember.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Severe forgetfulness can also be a warning sign that a teenager is taking illegal drugs or developing a drinking problem. Marijuana particularly affects short-term memory loss. Other symptoms of substance abuse include extreme low energy and social and self disconnection.