Inattentive ADHD in Adults
You may find it difficult to keep up with your classwork or work-related meetings without missing any important details. You may find that you do not pay your bills or return calls.
symptoms of ADHD in adults may be able to benefit from treatment if have trouble paying attention ADHD. Adults also can benefit from medication used to treat ADHD, but dosage and frequency must be adjusted to suit your specific requirements.
1. Forgetting Things
Many people who suffer from inattention ADHD have difficulty with routine tasks, such as paying bills or remembering important dates. They may also have trouble organizing skills, like making appointments and keeping them, completing homework and managing your home life. In addition, they may be unable to pay attention to the details or making mistakes at work, school or in their hobbies. They might also lose items or lose them often, like their wallet or mobile phone.
It's normal to forget things from time to time however if a person with inattentive ADHD is frequently forgetting things, this could be a sign that they have the disorder. They might also have weak listening skills, or appear to be unable to focus when spoken to even though they're trying to focus.
Researchers believe that women and girls are more likely to be affected by inattention ADHD symptoms than boys and men. This is due to genetic factors as well as gendered expectations and socialization. They also may have difficulty understanding their own behavior, which can make them misunderstand others. For instance when a child is easily distracted in class they could be viewed as lazy or apathetic by coaches and educators who don't understand the disorder.
Online ADHD self-screening tools can be used to determine whether the symptoms are cause for concern however a healthcare professional specializing in the disorder is typically the one who makes the accurate diagnosis. To determine the symptoms of the disorder, they'll conduct a physical examination and employ mental health assessment tools and examine the family history. The use of stimulants is often recommended to treat the condition. They boost the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals in the brain that enhance attention and cognition. If stimulants aren't well-tolerated or cause adverse side effects, a non-stimulant medicine might be prescribed.
2. Missing Things
Many people with inattentive ADHD struggle to remember or keep track of important tasks. They may lose their keys or wallets or forget to pay the bill or leave a note. Inattention ADHD symptoms can also impact personal relationships and can lead to problems at work or school.
For example, a child with inattentive ADHD may miss questions on a test while she doodles or thinks about it in her notebook. Teachers may not be able to recognize the child's behavior and dismiss it, causing her to struggle at school. She could also be subject to rude remarks from her family and friends. Symptoms of inattentive ADHD can also affect women in their careers and lead to late deadlines and incomplete projects.
While some women suffering from inattentive ADHD find success and thrive with no treatment, others find that their symptoms hinder everyday functioning and cause frustration, stress, or anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist people with inattentive ADHD develop essential skills that include prioritizing and arranging tasks, using to-do lists making routines and following them, and taking breaks. It can also help people to recognize their optimal attention span so they can plan accordingly.
A health care provider can determine if a patient has inattention ADHD by talking with them and asking about their emotional, mental, and physical background. They may also want to talk to the person's partner, family, teacher and other close family members. They may use the standard ADHD symptom scales and tests to evaluate the person's memory and executive function, working memory spatial and visual abilities and reasoning skills. They can then make a diagnosis and provide effective treatment for the patient. Other conditions and illnesses may cause similar symptoms to inattentive ADHD, so it is crucial for health care professionals to do a thorough examination.
3. Making Things Wrong
People with inattention ADHD often have difficulty keeping track of assignments and other work. They might forget to pay bills or file important documents. They may also have trouble listening or losing focus when they are spoken to. This could be because their minds are elsewhere, or they are unable to focus on the other person.
Everybody makes mistakes, however for those with inattention ADHD the consequences could be much more serious. For example an untimely deadline or an error on a document could result in the loss of a job. Adulthood is also a time when errors are more likely due to the demands of a job and family.
Finding a diagnosis of inattention ADHD isn't easy for many adults because the symptoms are more evident than they were as teenagers or children. A doctor can administer tests for medical conditions and examine symptoms to rule out other possible causes. To be diagnosed, an individual must display at least six symptoms of inattentive ADHD that are significantly affecting everyday functioning.
The good news is that there are methods to manage inattentive ADHD in adults. Treatment options include medication, therapy, or a combination of the two. Stimulant drugs such as methylphenidate and amphetamines are often prescribed for inattentive ADHD. However non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine have been proven to be effective.
Women and girls with inattentive ADHD are less likely to be diagnosed or receive the treatment they need despite the fact that it is more common. Girls and women are more likely than males to be dismissed for being lazy or flaky. This can affect their self-esteem, even after they have been diagnosed with ADHD. At Frida we're trying to change that by removing obstacles and making it simpler for women to take an online ADHD assessment.
4. Getting Things Done Lately
People who have inattention ADHD are usually procrastinators because of their issues with organization and focus. This can lead to a myriad of problems including late payments or appointments missed, failure to respond to texts or phone messages, and forgetting birthdays and anniversaries.
For adults, this can lead to career setbacks and social angst. In some instances, it may even impact relationships. People with inattention ADHD can also make naive mistakes that can have huge consequences like losing their job due an ineffective work ethic or sending a snarky email to a coworker.
The good news is that those with inattention ADHD are able to receive a diagnosis as an adult. The process involves a discussion with an expert in healthcare who is trained in ADHD as well as reviewing the person's background, using assessment instruments, and performing psychological and physical tests. If a healthcare provider confirms that a person has multiple symptoms of inattention ADHD, that started before 12 years of age, that they are regularly present in multiple settings (such as home, school, or work) and that the symptoms interfere with the daily activities, then they can diagnose the condition.
People who are diagnosed with inattentive ADHD may discover that a combination of behavioral therapy and medication helps manage their symptoms. Stimulants are among the most commonly prescribed medications for the disorder, and they can aid in increasing levels of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Non-stimulants are also effective and may be prescribed if stimulants are not well tolerated or cause adverse effects. Antidepressants are also prescribed, particularly when a person suffers from other mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety.
Research is ongoing to find out what causes inattentive ADHD. Biological factors, environmental factors (like exposure to chemicals) and early life experiences (like trauma and birth prematurely) are thought to be responsible for the development of this disorder.
5. Getting Things Done Wrong
Someone with inattention ADHD often commits naive errors when completing tasks. She may also have difficulty organizing her work or chores and can be easily distracted by non-related events. (For younger children, this could be unrelated thoughts, while for adults or older teens, they could be a cell phone or text message). She isn't able to keep the track of her belongings, and leaves her seat when it is expected that she remain seated (for example during class or meetings).
If you're suffering from inattention ADHD you might find it difficult to maintain steady, consistent relationships with other people. It can feel like you're constantly treading water - people around you can see that you're above the water but don't appreciate the amount of effort it takes to keep up. You might feel more depressed than normal, and you could have a lower tolerance to frustration and stress.
Getting an ADHD diagnosis will help you to manage your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. A doctor will look at your behavior and give an assessment if you exhibit at least six inattention ADHD symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with daily functioning. They will also likely rule out any other mental health issues that may cause similar symptoms.
Treatment could involve a combination of therapy and medication. Psychostimulants can reduce some ADHD symptoms by rerouting signals to the central nervous system. Antidepressants, which alter certain chemicals that manage your mood and attention, are also commonly used to treat ADHD. Examples include bupropion and venlafaxine.