This is something that's been concerning me a lot lately, and I'm wondering if most people experience this or if I have concentration problems. Anyway, a little bit of background first:

 I don't think I've ever paid much attention in classes. In my country, it's normal to have up to 8 hours of classes a day, I spent maybe 70% of them in my own head. I'd tone in for a bit, get the gist then go back to thinking, drawing on my notepad or just chatting with my classmates. I got pretty good at pretending I'm paying attention and nodding my head when I'm really not listening. And I have this thing when I'm 50% listening, 50% doing something else like playing with my elastics or sketching (I do it unconsciously and I feel like it helps me tone in a bit but people don't like it or see it as rude/dismissive). The only time I'd pay attention and not feel the time is when the subject is really interesting for me. Despite this, I always got above average results. I discovered that I could skim through the material before exams, literally learn the subject in one or two nights, and pass. I know it's not ideal and I always end up feeling super anxious and guilty, but I've been doing this for as long as I can remember. I always push things last minute, until I really have to concentrate and do what I have to do. 

The university I went to during my BA didn't have compulsory attendance, so I stopped going after the first semester (I'd show up once or twice a week max, attend one class and then take off). My results decreased dramatically after the first year because I started going less and less (I was ranked 3rd at the time) but honestly I didn't care that much and instead focused on extra-curricular activities that I found more engaging. 

Pass forward to this year, I moved to another university in another country for my MA degree and attendance is compulsory and we have a ton of reading and writing to do. It's been kicking my butt. Our groups are very small (4-5 people) and it's interactive so professors can easily tell whether you're paying attention or not. I've been trying my best to concentrate on everything in class but I tend to zone out without even noticing and I'm always fidgeting/playing with stuff, which I noticed nobody else is doing. 

Getting the required readings done before class has been a nightmare. First I have to work up the courage to even attempt reading and when I finally do, the material is dry and long. I end up reading and reading without grasping anything and then giving up. This is especially frustrating because I have no problem sitting in bed reading a YA fiction book for hours on end without even feeling the time or being able to stop, so I don't think I'm incapable of concentrating altogether but my brain seems to refuse to do so when academic articles are involved. 

Writing has also been challenging. I don't know where to start and I get overwhelmed and unable to organize my thoughts. Even writing this is taking forever lol.  I've been trying free writing to help with this and it's somehow helping a bit. 

So basically my constant zoning out has been affecting my academic performance as the bar is set higher now and I've been reflecting on my habits and behaviours. I've always kinda assumed it's the case with everyone but now I'm questioning whether or not I have a problem. 

Important side note: I went to therapy last year for depression and sleeping problems. When I told my psychiatrist that I can't sleep because I'm in my head and thinking a lot, she told me it's a side effect of anxiety and gave me medication that I used temporarily. Now I'm not sure if concentration problems are also part of having anxiety and whether I need to talk to someone about this, but I just wanted to see if anyone has had a similar experience and or has any tips perhaps. 

 **TL;DR; : My tendency to zone out and not concentrate has been affecting my academic performance. Do I have a problem or is this a common thing?**.