Occasional memory lapses are common these days. Trivial chores like asking them to do something for you or instructing them to arrive at a doctor’s clinic for an appointment could easily slip through your teen’s mind. These errors are typical glitches that their brain experiences because it is preoccupied with organizing, storing, and recalling other information.
It is typical to overlook little nuances. However, if your teenager frequently struggles to recall recent events and important information, they may be experiencing short-term memory loss. For instance, if your child struggles to remember names or locations they visit frequently or if they cannot recall what they did during the day at school, they may be experiencing short-term memory problems.
Other symptoms that may indicate if the teen has a short-term memory loss problem include repeatedly asking the same questions, frequently misplacing things, and failing at school due to the inability to recall the lessons.
So, what causes these short-term memory problems in teenagers? Let’s look at some of the possible reasons that cause such memory loss.
Possible causes for short-term memory loss in teens
1. Slow learning ability
Some teenagers may naturally be slow learners, which could account for their poor memory and scholastic underperformance compared to their peers. Slow learners can exhibit a lack of concentration, inability to communicate their ideas verbally, and poor imagination and social skills.
Remember that slow learners do not necessarily have mental illnesses. They might only require more time than others to think about and comprehend the ideas. Better teaching techniques and extra attention from parents and teachers may resolve these memory issues.
2. Medications
Prescription and over-the-counter medications may also interfere with your adolescent’s memory due to the likely altered consciousness effects. Tranquilizers, antidepressants, sleeping pills, antihistamines, painkillers, and blood pressure medications may impact memory. The sedative effect of these drugs may make it harder for an individual to concentrate and remember information.
3. Head Trauma
Following a concussion, there may be a brief memory loss of the events preceding or following the injury. Memory loss caused by head trauma usually does not worsen but stays the same or improves. A serious injury is unlikely if your teen continues to engage in activity immediately after receiving a blow to the head. However, keep a close eye on your teen for the next 24 hours.
4. Depression, Stress, and Anxiety
Depression leads to a lack of focus and attention, making it difficult for your teen to create or recall memories. Memory problems can result from poor concentration. Depression treatment can help your teen’s memory.
Stress and anxiety from emotional shock can also be possible causes of memory loss. Although it is uncommon, severe emotional stress can cause psychogenic amnesia. Due to this condition, your teen may forget his name, home address, or even his date of birth.
5. Substance Abuse
According to research1, substance misuse, such as alcohol and drug abuse, can cause alteration in brain structure and functioning. Heavy alcohol drinking may also lead to memory loss in teenagers.
6. Thyroid Malfunctioning
The sudden loss of memory may also be a sign of thyroid dysfunction. The central nervous system, which controls cognition, memory, and intelligence, depends on thyroid hormones to function adequately. Studies2 have shown that hypothyroidism may impair memory retention.
7. Sleep Deprivation
The memory of your teen may suffer from a lack of sleep. Exhaustion can prevent them from making memories or make it difficult to recall them.
Wrapping Up!
Teenagers experience forgetfulness on occasion, but if you take steps to ensure that they are happy and healthy, you will also ensure that they are experiencing healthy mental development. If your teen fits any of these descriptions, keep an eye out for them and assist them in resolving their problems as needed. As a result, their forgetfulness will reduce, and their memory capacity will increase.
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