Inattentive ADHD in Adults
Do you struggle to get through your work or class assignments without ignoring important details? Do you find yourself frequently forgetting to pay bills or return phone calls?
You could be able to benefit from treatment if suffer from inattentive ADHD. Adults may also benefit from the use of medications to treat ADHD, but the dosage and frequency of treatment should be adjusted to suit your individual requirements.
1. Forgetting Things
Many people who suffer from inattention ADHD struggle with everyday tasks, such as remembering important dates or paying bills. They may also have difficulty with organizational skills, including making and executing appointments, completing homework, and managing their home life. They may also have difficulty paying attention to the details or make mistakes that are not their fault when it comes to homework, work or their hobbies. They may also lose things or lose them frequently, like their mobile phone or wallet.
It's normal to forget things from time to time however if a person with inattentive ADHD does so frequently, this could be a sign that they have the disorder. They might also have poor listening skills, or seem to lose focus when spoken to, even if they are trying to concentrate.
Researchers believe that women and girls are more likely to experience inattention ADHD symptoms than men and boys. This is due to biological reasons but also due to socialization and gendered expectations. Additionally, they might have a harder time understanding their own behavior, which can lead to misunderstandings with those around them. If a child is easily distractible in class, educators and coaches might call them lazy or apathetic.
There are online ADHD self-screening tests that can be used to determine if symptoms are indicative of a problem, but an accurate diagnosis of inattention ADHD is usually made by a medical professional who specializes in the disorder. To detect the signs of the disorder, they'll perform a physical examination and employ mental health assessment tools and review the family history. In general, stimulant drugs are prescribed to treat the condition that increase levels of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine inside the brain to improve attention and cognition. If stimulants aren't well tolerated, or cause adverse side negative effects, a non-stimulant drug could be prescribed.
2. Missing Things
Many people who suffer from inattention ADHD struggle with keeping on top of important tasks. They may lose their wallet or keys or forget to pay the bill or leave a note. Inattentive ADHD can cause issues in relationships at home, at work or at school.
A child who is not attentive ADHD, for example it is possible to miss questions on an exam because she is daydreaming or doodling in her notebook. Teachers might misunderstand the child's behavior and dismiss the issue, making her struggle in school. There could be snide comments from her friends and family members, too. The signs of inattention ADHD could also affect women in their careers, leading to late deadlines and incomplete projects.
Some women suffering from inattentive ADHD have a great time and achieve success without treatment, but others experience anxiety, frustration and stress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with inattention ADHD build essential skills, including prioritizing and scheduling tasks, using lists of to-dos, creating and following routines, and taking breaks. It helps people to learn to recognize their ideal attention span so they can plan accordingly.
A health care provider can determine if a patient has inattentive ADHD by talking to them and asking about their emotional, mental, and physical history. They may also speak with the person's partner, family, teacher and other close family members. They may use the standard ADHD symptoms rating scales and tests to assess the person's memory, working memory, executive functioning spatial and visual capabilities, as well as reasoning skills. They can then make an assessment and provide the best treatment for the patient. Other conditions and illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of inattentive ADHD, so it is crucial for health professionals to conduct an extensive examination.
3. You can get things wrong
People who aren't attentive ADHD are unable to complete work and other tasks. They may be late to deadlines and forget to file important documents or pay bills. It could also be a sign of difficulty being attentive and losing focus when they're spoken to or listened to, either because their minds are elsewhere or they are unable to concentrate on what someone else is saying.
Everyone makes mistakes, but for adults with inattentive ADHD the consequences could be a lot more serious. For instance, a missed deadline or a typo on a report could cause a job loss. Mistakes are also more likely in adulthood because of the increased demands of career and family obligations.
Finding a diagnosis of inattentive ADHD isn't easy for many adults because the symptoms are more subtle than they were as children or teenagers. However doctors can spot symptoms and do medical tests to rule out possible causes. To be diagnosed with extreme ADHD symptoms adults must show at least six signs that hinder their everyday functioning.
The good news is that there are ways to deal with inattention ADHD in adults. Treatment options include medication, therapy, or a combination. Stimulant drugs like methylphenidate or amphetamines are often prescribed for inattentive ADHD. However, non-stimulant drugs such as atomoxetine have been proved to be effective.
Despite the fact that inattentive ADHD is more prevalent for girls and women than men and boys girls and women who have it are still less likely to be diagnosed or receive the treatment they require. Girls and women are more likely than boys to be criticized for being unmotivated or insecure. This can impact their self-esteem even after they have been diagnosed with ADHD. At Frida, we're working to change that by eliminating obstacles and making it simpler for women to take an online ADHD assessment.
4. Getting Things Done Lately
Because of their struggles with focus and organization People who suffer from inattentive ADHD often have trouble focusing and avoiding procrastination. This can lead to many issues that include paying bills late, missing appointments, failing to return phone calls or texts, and forgetting birthday cards and anniversaries.
Adults can be affected by social discontent and career setbacks. In some cases it could even impact relationships. People with inattentive ADHD may also make careless mistakes that could have a huge impact, such as losing their job due poor work performance or accidentally sending a embarrassing email to a coworker.
It's good to know that adults with inattentive ADHD are able to receive an diagnosis. The process involves a conversation with a healthcare professional who specializes in ADHD and reviewing the patient's history, using assessment instruments and conducting physical and psychological tests. If a medical professional determines that the person suffers from several symptoms of inattentive ADHD that began before the age of 12, that they occur often in multiple settings (like work/school and at home), and that they affect their daily activities, they can diagnose the condition.
People who are diagnosed with inattentive ADHD might experience that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication helps manage their symptoms. The stimulants are the most frequently prescribed medications for the disorder, and can help increase levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine as well as dopamine. Non-stimulants can also be beneficial and can be prescribed if stimulants are not well tolerated or trigger adverse reactions. Antidepressants are often prescribed, especially in the case of other mental health conditions that are concomitant, such as depression or anxiety.
The research is ongoing to discover what causes inattentive ADHD. Researchers believe that biological factors, environmental factors (like exposure to chemicals) and childhood experiences such as trauma and premature birth can all contribute to the development of this condition.
5. Getting Things Done Wrong
An individual with inattention ADHD often makes careless errors in completing tasks. They may also have trouble organizing her chores or work and can be easily distracted by irrelevant events. (For younger children, this could be unrelated thoughts, while for older adolescents or adults it could be a cell phone or text message). She is having trouble keeping her things in order, and often leaves her seat in situations where remaining seated is expected (for instance, during classes or work meetings).
If you have inattentive ADHD you may struggle to maintain stable, consistent relationships with other people. You might feel like you are constantly treading on the water. People around you can see that you are above the water, but don't realize how much effort you're putting into keep up. You might feel depressed and have a lower tolerance to anxiety and frustration.
You can learn how to manage your symptoms by getting an ADHD diagnosis. This will help improve your quality of life. If you exhibit at least six signs of inattentive ADHD that are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, a doctor will diagnose you. They may also rule out any other mental disorders that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment can involve a combination of medications and therapies. Psychostimulants can help reduce some ADHD symptoms by rerouting signals to the central nervous systems. ADHD is also commonly treated with antidepressants that affect chemicals in the brain which regulate attention and mood. Examples include bupropion and venlafaxine.