Understanding Inattentive ADHD Type

Last Update: May 10, 2024 | 2 min read

Inattentive Type ADHD, commonly misunderstood and often overlooked, especially in women, manifests as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and trouble staying organized. This article aims to shed light on this subtype of ADHD to improve awareness and help those affected find effective management strategies.

What is Inattentive Type ADHD?

Inattentive ADHD is marked primarily by a significant difficulty in maintaining focus. Unlike the more noticeable Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD, those with Inattentive ADHD might not show outwardly disruptive behaviour, making it less likely to be recognized in children. This type is particularly prevalent among women and can often be misdiagnosed as mere carelessness or misinterpreted as other conditions like anxiety.

Key Symptoms:

• Poor Focus: Easily distracted and a short attention span, frequently zoning out during daily activities.
• Forgetfulness: Regularly misplacing items or forgetting appointments.
• Disorganization: Struggling with managing tasks and time, and maintaining order.
• Task Avoidance: Avoiding activities that require sustained mental effort.
• Difficulty Following Through: Starting tasks but often not completing them, leading to unfinished work.

Challenges in Daily Life

Adults with Inattentive ADHD may find it hard to manage day-to-day responsibilities, affecting their education, work performance, and straining personal relationships. They often cope with feelings of underachievement and frustration due to their symptoms, which can impact their self-esteem and social interactions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional, considering the individual’s history and symptom presentation.

Treatment may include:

• Medications: Stimulants and non-stimulants to help increase attention and focus.
• Therapy: Techniques such as CBT and DBT to develop coping strategies, as well as ADHD coaching.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep.

Moving Forward with Inattentive ADHD

Understanding and managing Inattentive ADHD involves recognizing its impact on your life and exploring treatment options that best suit your needs. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to improving outcomes.

For those beginning their journey towards managing Inattentive ADHD, consider taking a screening assessment to better understand your symptoms. Platforms like Finding Focus offer a straightforward, remote diagnostic process, making it easier and faster to get help.

Inattentive ADHD, though less overt than other subtypes, can significantly affect one’s quality of life. By increasing awareness and accessibility to diagnostic and treatment services, individuals can lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

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Finding Focus Care Team

We are a group of nurse practitioners, continuous care specialists, creators, and writers, all committed to excellence in patient care and expertise in ADHD. We share content that illuminates aspects of ADHD and broader health care topics. Each article is medically verified and approved by the Finding Focus Care Team. You can contact us at support@findfocusnow.com if you have any questions!

Sources:

• ‍https://add.org/adhd-types/

• ‍https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3398683/

• ‍https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15253-attention-deficit-disorder-without-hyperactivity-add-in-adults