What Is Inattentive ADHD?
Many of us are familiar with the terms attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but did you know there's more than just one type of ADHD? One subset, inattentive ADHD, can often be overlooked because the outward signs aren't as obvious.
Inattentive ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
ADHD is divided into three subsets: hyperactivity/impulsivity, inattentiveness, and a combination of these. While difficulty focusing and uncontrollable behaviors are synonymous with the hyperactive impulsive ADHD subtype, the ADHD inattentive type can be more difficult to grasp. That’s because many individuals who experience the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD show few or no symptoms and do not openly display signs of a mental health condition, such as impulsive symptoms.
It's thought that premature birth may increase an individual’s risk of developing ADHD. It may be possible that environmental toxins could also contribute to an increased risk of this disorder. Regardless of the cause of inattentive ADHD, it can be important to note that it can be successfully managed
A form of hyperfocus can exist for those people with inattentive ADHD as well. They may focus so intently on a single task or emotion to the point that they cannot switch their mindset or attention to a different task or activity. They may have trouble paying attention to anything other than the task they’re focused on, which may lead to significant problems in some cases. The severity of this type can vary from mild to severe, and the rates at which it affects males versus females are still under review.
Other ADHD symptoms: Careless mistakes, inattentive moments, and more
- Frequently daydreaming
- Being easily distracted
- Trouble completing work assignments or schoolwork
- Finding it difficult to listen when spoken to
- Losing focus during activities
- Forgetful of daily tasks
- Misplaces things often
- Struggling with jobs that require strong mental focus
- Trouble organizing tasks
Inattentive ADHD expression
This statistic highlights the growing risk women and girls face of experiencing other health issues when their inattentive ADHD goes undiagnosed. Cases of females with eating disorders, anxiety, and depression have been documented at higher rates for those with ADHD than those without. ADHD is also linked to other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, which can rarely occur in children but most commonly develops in adults.
How attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed
According to the American Psychiatric Association, symptoms of ADHD are typically identified in school-aged children. Being assessed for inattentive ADHD can be a complex process for a child. When a parent or individual is concerned about possible symptoms, the first step is to discuss the person's health with trained, certified medical practitioners. Observation of their symptoms is followed by medical examinations to rule out other potential health concerns that may or may not appear in conjunction with ADHD. This may include blood work, medical scans, and hearing and vision tests to check for abnormalities.
Of those diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, those with the inattentive type have been known to create coping methods to help themselves remain alert, be focused, and behave well. This means doctors must be thorough in their assessment before ruling on the person's condition and recommending possible treatment options. An inattentive adult, in particular, has likely developed various coping strategies, such as organizational skills, to help them get through day-to-day activities without treatment options like ADHD medications.
Help for Inattentive ADHD
What do you do when you or someone you care about routinely displays inattentive ADHD symptoms? The first step is to be open and honest about your concerns so you can address them from a position of empowerment.
For those who desire a course of action without medication to treat inattentive ADHD, there are several forms of behavioral therapy that provide effective results. Counseling and therapy work well for children and adults alike, as do education and personalized alternative options. Working with an ADHD coach may be helpful as well.
Traditional therapy can have its disadvantages for people experiencing symptoms of inattentive ADHD, though. After all, there are many steps to remember in order to make and keep an appointment for an in-person office visit. Online platforms like BetterHelp offer a viable alternative. With online counseling, individuals with ADHD can speak to a licensed therapist from the comfort of home and at a time that’s most convenient for them.
Those who elect online therapy need not worry about its effectiveness, either. In 2022, researchers found that internet-based treatments are effective in reducing attention deficit and social impairment for individuals diagnosed with inattentive ADHD.
Takeaway
If you or someone you know exhibits signs of inattentive ADHD, know that help is available. Life with ADHD can be manageable and even fulfilling once you identify a treatment protocol. If traditional therapy isn’t an option or you just desire something more convenient, reach out to our experienced and caring therapists at BetterHelp for effective online interventions.
How does a person with inattentive ADHD think?
There are three primary types of ADHD:
Inattentive ADHD
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD
Combination inattentive/hyperactive-impulsive ADHD
Inattentive type ADHD may present symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, losing items, and forgetfulness. Some symptoms of ADHD are common between types, such as problems with executive functioning.
What are the 3 signs and symptoms of inattentive ADHD?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can include the following symptoms of inattention:
Paying attention to details or making frequent careless errors
Actively listening
Focusing on tasks that take awhile, such as listening to a lecture or reading a textbook
Completing tasks or assignments
Performing tasks that require significant attention
Remembering and completing daily activities, such as errands, appointments, assignments, or chores
Managing time
Ignoring distractions
To meet the DSM-5 requirements for the inattentive type of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—formerly called attention deficit disorder—someone must have at least six of these symptoms.
What are people with inattentive ADHD good at?
While inattentive ADHD symptoms can cause challenges, such as missed deadlines or social challenges, they can have some benefits. For example, people with ADHD often are highly creative, inventive, spontaneous, self-aware, and are able to hyperfocus on things that interest them. If you’ve gotten a diagnosis or treatment for ADHD, it can be helpful to remember your strengths rather than just focusing on your challenges.
What makes Inattentive ADHD worse?
Some things that might make inattentive symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) worse include:
Excessive stress
Disorganized or cluttered space
Lack of sleep
Not getting enough physical activity
Hunger
Some ADHD medications may cause side effects that worsen symptoms
Low self-esteem
If you’re experiencing signs of ADHD, it can be important to work with a licensed professional for a diagnosis, treatment plan, and self-care strategies to manage symptoms more effectively.
How rare is Inattentive ADHD?
Inattentive ADHD, formerly called attention deficit disorder, is considered the most common type of the disorder amongst adults with ADHD, though ADHD in children is more evenly distributed.
Compared with other types of ADHD, symptoms of inattentive ADHD include reduced processing speed, higher inhibition, and better emotional regulation.
What mimics inattentive ADHD?
There are many conditions that can mimic inattentive ADHD, making it important that an ADHD diagnosis is made by a licensed professional who is trained and experienced with this developmental disorder.
Some things that can present like inattentive ADHD include anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, sensory processing disorder, certain medical conditions, and sleep disorders.
What is the best stimulant for inattentive ADHD?
Some of the most commonly prescribed stimulants for inattentive ADHD include methylphenidate and amphetamine:
Methylphenidate: This stimulant is the active ingredient in medications like Concerta and Ritalin. It’s commonly used for children and teens with ADHD and works by increasing how much dopamine is present in the brain.
Amphetamine: This stimulant is the active ingredient in medications like Adderall and Vyvanse.
Both medications can be effective in the treatment of ADHD, but individual factors, age, side effects, and other factors can help you and your medical provider find the most appropriate medication for you.
Are people with inattentive ADHD smart?
No type of ADHD makes people any more or less intelligent than people without the disorder. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that effectives executive functioning skills, such as impulsiveness, social connections, attention, and time management.
What does an ADHD meltdown look like?
ADHD meltdowns can differ from person to person in both symptoms and severity, but signs may be similar to tantrums or panic attacks. Some common signs of an ADHD meltdown include uncontrollable crying, hyperventilating, screaming, yelling, irritability, shutting down emotionally, stomping, binge eating, breaking things, or withdrawing.
At what age does inattentive ADHD peak?
Inattentive ADHD tends to change over time, with symptoms often seeming more apparent in teenage years and young adulthood. Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, on the other hand, tends to be most pronounced in younger children.
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