Psychology Facts

▼ Inattentive ADD / ADHD ▼

》Inattentive ADHD (once called ADD) is a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder that often manifests as limited attention span, distractibility, forgetfulness, or procrastination.

》The Inattentive ADD/HD type encompasses a wide variety of symptoms:

Having difficulty focusing on tasks at school or work

Not paying close attention to detail, which can result in careless mistakes in schoolwork or work assignments

Being disorganized, resulting in missed appointments and deadlines

Getting distracted easily

Leaving tasks such as assignments, chores, or other activities incomplete

Frequently losing personal belongings and valuables

Forgetting things often

Failing to follow through on instructions and appearing not to listen when spoken to directly

Avoiding tasks that require sustained focus for longer periods of time

Lethargic

Apathetic

Appearing lazy or uncaring

》In addition to symptoms of inattention, people with ADHD inattentive type may also have a few symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, which include:

Fidgeting, tapping, or squirming while seated

Having difficulty remaining seated, in class or at work for instance

Pacing, or in children, running around or climbing instead of staying seated

Making a lot of noise while playing or participating in leisure activities

Constantly feeling restless and being on the go, as though powered by a motor

Talking too much

Responding to questions before they're asked, speaking out of turn, or finishing other peoples' sentences

Being unable to wait their turn patiently

Interrupting, intruding on, or taking over others' conversations or activities

》Up to 30% of people with ADHD have inattentive type ADHD. A 2014 study notes that ADHD inattentive type is more subtle than the other types of ADHD, so it can be harder to detect.

》The exact causes of these differences in the brain are unknown; however, these are some factors that may contribute to the development of this condition:

Genetic factors: ADHD can be genetically inherited; a child may be more likely to have it if one of their parents or relatives has it.

Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental toxins may play a role in the development of ADHD. For instance, a 2016 study found that exposure to lead can cause ADHD in children.

Early life factors: Premature birth, alcohol or tobacco use during pregnancy, and traumatic events or injuries in early life may contribute to the development of ADHD.

》ADHD inattentive type can be diagnosed by a mental healthcare provider such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. The diagnostic process may involve:

A detailed personal and family medical history

A standard rating scale or checklist of symptoms and their severity

An interview with the healthcare provider

Interviews with the child's family members or teachers

Other psychological tests, blood work, physical exams, or imaging scans required to rule out other conditions or confirm the diagnosis

》The American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual for ADHD, the DSM-V, lists nine symptoms of inattentive ADHD. In a child or adolescent, at least six of these must be present and must significantly disrupt a patient's life in order to merit a diagnosis. After age 17, only five symptoms must be present to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD :

Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, etc.

Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or activities (e.g., easily distracted).

Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).

Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.

Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time.

Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. school materials, wallet, mobile phone).

Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Often distracted by stimuli

》Treatment can help people with ADHD inattentive type manage their symptoms and reduce their difficulties, particularly those related to work or school, where focus is required. Treatment options include medication and therapy.

》These are some steps that can help people with ADHD inattentive type cope with the condition:

Reduce distractions: Switch off the television, maintain a clean workspace, and limit other noises and distractions while trying to work, to help improve focus.

Break up lengthy tasks: Tasks
that require sustained attention may be daunting for people with ADHD inattentive type. Dividing the task into smaller chunks can make it more manageable.

Budget enough time: It can be helpful to start on schoolwork or work assignments in advance, with plenty of activity breaks scheduled in between.

Build a routine: It can be helpful to build and maintain a daily routine, to encourage consistency.

Follow a healthy lifestyle: Eat a nutritious diet, get sufficient sleep, and exercise regularly.

Set a timer to get yourself going on a boring task.

Put on high-energy music to rev yourself up before a long meeting, difficult chore, or anything else that tends to let your mind wander.

Hire a friend to check in on you periodically during a big project. If you're off task, they can nudge you back to work.

Change up the view. When you find yourself getting distracted, move to a different location — outside, or maybe a coffee shop down the block — to "reset" your brain.