Inattentive ADHD in Adults
You may find it difficult to keep up with your classes or meetings at work without ignoring important details. Do you find yourself often not paying bills or return phone calls?
If you suffer from inattentive ADHD, you could benefit from treatment. Adults may also benefit from medication used to treat ADHD however dosage and frequency must be adjusted to meet the your individual needs.
1. Forgetting Things
Many people who suffer from inattention ADHD struggle with everyday tasks like remembering important dates or paying bills. They may also struggle with organizational skills, like scheduling and keeping appointments, completing homework and managing their home life. In addition, they might struggle with paying attention to the minute details or making mistakes when working, schoolwork or their hobbies. They may also lose things or misplace them often such as their mobile phone or wallet.
It's normal for us to forget things at times however, if someone with inattentive ADHD often forgets something it could be an indication of the disorder. They might also have poor listening skills or seem to shut out when being spoken to, even though they're attempting to pay attention to what's being said.
Females and girls are more likely to experience inattentive ADHD symptoms more often than males and females, which researchers believe is due to biological causes, but also socialization and gendered social expectations. Additionally, they might have more trouble understanding their own behavior, which can lead to confusion with others around them. For example when children are easily distracted in school They could be seen as lazy or indifferent by teachers and coaches who aren't aware of the problem.
There are online ADHD self-screening tests that can be used to determine whether the symptoms are a problem however, a precise diagnosis of inattentive ADHD is usually done by a healthcare specialist who is specialized in the disorder. To determine the symptoms of the disorder, they will conduct a physical examination, use tools for mental health assessment, and review the family history. Drugs that stimulate the brain are frequently prescribed to treat the disorder. They increase the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine which are brain-related chemicals which improve attention and cognition. A non-stimulant drug which is slower to take effect is also available if stimulants are not well tolerated or cause side effects.
2. Missing Things
Many people suffering from inattention ADHD struggle to keep track of important tasks. They might misplace their keys or wallet or forget to pay bills or leave an email. Inattention ADHD can also cause problems in relationships at home, at work or at school.
For example, a child with inattentive ADHD may not remember questions on a test while she doodles or thinks about it in her notebook. Teachers might misunderstand her behavior and dismiss it as laziness or apathy and she could struggle academically. She could also be subject to rude remarks from her family and friends. Women may experience the symptoms of inattention ADHD in their careers. This could result in late deadlines or incomplete projects.
While certain women with inattentive ADHD have success and are thriving without treatment, others find that their symptoms interfere with everyday functioning and can result in stress, frustration, or anxiety. Cognitive therapy for behavioral issues can help those with inattentive ADHD develop the essential skills such as prioritizing tasks by using checklists, making routines, and observing them, and taking breaks. It helps people to learn to recognize their ideal focus so they can plan accordingly.
A doctor or health professional can assess a person for inattentive ADHD by talking to them and asking about their emotional, mental, and physical background. They may also request to speak to the person's family, partners, teachers, and other close acquaintances. They can use the standard ADHD symptoms scales and tests to determine the person's memory and executive function, working memory as well as spatial and visual capabilities and reasoning skills. They will then be able to make diagnose and provide effective treatment for the patient. Other conditions and illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of inattentive ADHD which is why it is essential for health care professionals to do an exhaustive examination.
3. You can get things wrong
People who have inattention ADHD frequently have trouble following through on work and other tasks. They may be late to deadlines and forget to file important documents or pay their bills. Symptoms may also include trouble being attentive and losing focus when they're spoken to, either because their minds are elsewhere or because they have difficulty to focus on what is talking about.
Everybody makes mistakes, however for adults with inattentive ADHD the consequences could be much more serious. For symptoms of ADHD in adults or a mistake on a document could cost a job. The chances of making mistakes are higher in adulthood due to the growing demands of work and family obligations.
Getting a diagnosis of inattention ADHD isn't always easy for adults, as the signs are more subtle than they were as children or teenagers. However doctors can detect symptoms and do tests to rule out other possible causes. In order to be diagnosed, a person must exhibit at least six indicators of inattention ADHD that are significantly affecting everyday functioning.
The good news is that there are ways to manage inattentive ADHD in adults. Treatment options could include therapy, medication or the combination of both. Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and amphetamines are frequently prescribed for inattention ADHD. However non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine have also proved to be effective.
Women and girls with attention-deficit ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed or receive the treatment they require, despite the fact that it is more common. This is due to the fact that women and girls are more likely to be dismissed as lazy or insecure, which can hurt their self-esteem even if they've been diagnosed with ADHD. At Frida we're working to change that by eliminating obstacles and making it easier for women to take an online ADHD assessment.
4. Getting Things Done Lately
As a result of their difficulties with focus and organization, people who live with inattention ADHD often have trouble focusing and avoiding procrastination. This can cause a variety of issues, including late payments and missed appointments, inability to respond to text or phone messages, and not remembering birthdays and anniversary dates.
Adults may experience social angst and career setbacks. In some instances it could even impact relationships. Inattentional ADHD can also cause naive errors that have serious consequences, for instance, losing their job due to poor performance or sending an embarrassing email.
The good news is that those with inattentive ADHD can receive a diagnosis as an adult. The process involves speaking to a healthcare provider who specializes in ADHD and reviewing the person's medical history and using assessment tools and conducting psychological or physical tests. If a healthcare professional determines that a person is suffering from multiple symptoms of inattentive ADHD which began before 12 years of age, that they are frequently present in more than one setting (such as school/work/home), and that these symptoms hinder their everyday functioning and activities, they are able to diagnose the condition.
Inattentional ADHD patients might discover that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication may help manage their symptoms. The most commonly used treatment for the disorder, increase the levels of brain chemicals like norepinephrine or dopamine. Non-stimulants are also effective and can be prescribed if stimulants are not well tolerated or trigger adverse reactions. Antidepressants can also be prescribed, particularly in the case of other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Research is ongoing to determine what causes inattentive ADHD. Biological factors, environmental factors (like exposure to chemicals) and early life experiences (like premature birth and trauma) are believed to be the main causes of this condition.
5. Getting Things Done Wrong
If someone with inattention ADHD is trying to finish tasks, she is often guilty of mistakes that aren't made. She may also have difficulty organizing her chores or work and can be easily distracted by unrelated stimuli. (For younger children, these could include unrelated thoughts, while for adults or older teens, they could be a mobile phone or text message). She isn't able to keep all of her belongings and will leave her seat when it is expected that she stay in her seat (for instance, during class or meetings).
It can be difficult to maintain stable and consistent relationships with others when you suffer from inattention ADHD. You may feel like you are constantly treading on water. The people around you notice that you're above the water, but don't realize how much effort you put into keep up. You might feel more depressed than normal, and you may have a lower tolerance to stress and anger.
You can learn to manage your symptoms by getting an ADHD diagnosis. This will improve your quality of life. A doctor will observe your behavior and give a diagnosis if you have at least six inattentive ADHD symptoms that are severe enough to cause problems with your daily functioning. They will also likely rule out any other mental health issues that could cause similar symptoms.
Treatment can include a mix of medications and therapies. Psychostimulants may help to reduce ADHD symptoms by rerouting signals to the central nervous systems. Antidepressants, that affect specific chemicals that regulate your mood and focus, are also commonly used to treat ADHD. Examples include bupropion and venlafaxine.
