Most of us find it difficult to start a new task, struggle to pay attention and concentrate, but the main challenge is to finish it on time. We become unable to concentrate on details and make careless mistakes at work. These attention problems suggest it might be a neurodevelopmental disorder called Inattentive ADHD.
It’s a subtype of ADHD that is often associated with hyperactivity and impulsivity. Whereas people with Inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder do not exhibit pronounced hyperactive or impulsive behaviors. Typically begins in childhood and continues into adulthood, with some symptoms relieved and others worsened. People in this state face difficulties maintaining attention and following instructions in the workplace, which can ultimately lead to unemployment.
It is a highly heterogeneous disorder, which affects multiple parts of life, including educational and vocational difficulties, familial interaction, and social relationships. This condition is officially present in the American Psychiatric Association (APA) DSM-5 as ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation.
Read this blog to learn more about Inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
What is Inattentive ADHD?
It was previously known by the name ADD and is characterized by symptoms of disorganization, issues with remembering, and lack of attention. It is different from ADHD as people experiencing this condition do not exhibit hyperactive or impulsive behaviors. People may have few or no symptoms of hyperactivity (unable to sit still or have continuous physical movements). This condition is difficult to diagnose, particularly in women because of the hidden symptoms.
The Physiological Processes Associated with ADHD
The physiological processes behind it show that Inattentive ADHD symptoms are thought to be caused by deficits in executive functioning, the cognitive process that enables us to pay attention to what is most important at a given time. It affects planning and starting tasks, managing time, organizing, and emotional control. However, the ADHD brain has a dopamine deficiency; a type of neurotransmitter that sends chemical messages that control pleasure, planning, motivation, and a lot more. Every human being needs dopamine to be the optimal version of themselves, and when they have less of it, they often find other ways to get dopamine.
There are many ways to increase dopamine without putting ourselves in danger or at risk, such as getting engaged in pleasurable activities, connecting with others, having a balanced diet/lifestyle, and more.
Prevalence of Inattentive ADHD
As per the research, the inattentive type ADHD is the most prevalent presentation of ADHD. Females are more likely than males to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD.
Inattentive symptoms were most frequently endorsed (>90%) in ADHD adults. Using current symptoms, 62% of adults had the combined subtype, 31% the inattentive-only subtype, and 7% the hyperactive/impulsive only subtype. Adults with the combined subtype had relatively more psychiatric comorbidity compared to those with the predominantly inattentive subtype.
To understand this condition better, here is an example:
A student is listening to her science lecture, and suddenly she realizes that she left her practical notebook at home. The student became tense about that, and during this time the teacher asks questions about the course. After this, she realizes that she had missed most of the important points regarding the lecture. From this lecture, we can understand how the mind quickly shifts, and we become inattentive.
What are the Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD?
Symptoms associated with inattentive ADHD differ from those associated with other ADHD presentation types. The following distinct features are present across multiple disciplines, and they are supported by research and clinical inspections. As the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) lists nine core symptoms of ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation:
- Difficulty in giving deep attention to details and unintentionally makes irrelevant mistakes (e.g., overlooks or misses details).
- Effect on tasks and other curriculum activities and play activities (e.g., problems in remaining focused during lectures, conversations, or lengthy reading).
- Avoid dislikes tasks needing sustained mental effort
- Uninterested in following instructions given by workplace staff or home.
- Less interest in books and outings.
- Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli (for older adolescents and adults, may include unrelated thoughts).
- Absentminded in everyday duties (e.g., doing tasks, running chores; for older adolescents and adults, returning calls, paying bills, keeping appointments).
- When someone is speaking directly, it feels unbothered
- Losses important things and is often forgetful in daily chores.
Moreover, a child should have six of the above symptoms (and fewer than six symptoms of hyperactivity and/or impulsivity) to be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD. Adults and older people must possess five of the above signs (and fewer than five symptoms of hyperactivity and/or impulsivity).
What are the Causes of Inattentive ADHD in Different Genders?
This condition is associated with different overlapping impacts; while the main causes are shared, how they appear can differ by gender and life phase.
Main Factors
- Brain anatomy (how its areas form & work)
- Pre-developmental factors
- Environmental causes
- Hereditary
Causes in Men
- Powerful genetic relations have been reported
- Problems in academics, profession, and substance use or alcohol
Causes in Women
- Hormoneal changes
- Under-recognition due to internalized/masked symptoms
- Inattentive symptoms may overlap with mood changes
- Low birth weight in pregnancy
How to Diagnose Inattentive ADHD?
There aren’t only 1 or 2 tests to diagnose inattentive ADHD. Instead, a healthcare provider, usually a psychiatrist or psychologist, carefully reviews and evaluates the symptoms.
- The mental health professional will try to make a good connection with you by asking about your past and current behavior patterns.
- They check for the presence of symptoms and also confirm that there isn’t comorbidity with any other mental disorder.
- A psychiatrist checks the complete medical history, performs a physical exam, and offers additional testing, if necessary.
- They may also check if you have a pre-existing mental illness (like depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder).
Characteristics of Inattentive ADHD
- Individuals with inattentive type ADHD do not exhibit the stereotypical symptoms of ADHD, namely physical hyperactivity and impulsivity.
- This condition is often overlooked, especially in environments where hyperactivity is more readily identified.
- It severely impacts the quality of life by invading your day-to-day functioning
- Inattentive people may declare that they often misplace things such as their phones or credit cards, and that they come late to meetings or forget to pick up their children from football practice.
- Their executive dysfunction is easily blamed on carelessness or laziness, and their social struggles may be attributed to growing pains or character idiosyncrasies. All of this contributes to a chronic problem of underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment for inattentive type ADHD, particularly in girls and women.
- People suffering from this condition possess executive dysfunction that is easily blamed on negligence or inactivity
The Impact of Inattentive ADHD
This condition may affect several areas of life; some of them are as follows:
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Slower Processing Speed
Inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is linked with relatively greater depletion in processing speed characteristics and symptoms that include hypoactivity, “daydreaminess,” boredom, and apathy, which has been linked to predominantly inattentive ADHD.
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Less Controlled Inhibition
As compared to inattentive type ADHD, combined-type ADHD is associated with greater deficits in situations and on tasks that require inhibitory control or the ability to stop before acting.
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Depleted Emotional Regulation
People with combined-type ADHD are more prone to disruptive outbursts, meltdowns, excessive reactions, and intense emotions than are individuals with inattentive ADHD alone. Also, children with this condition are more likely to be socially shy, passive, or withdrawn.
-
Moody or Impatient
People with this subtype of ADHD are more likely to exhibit deficits in social knowledge (e.g., how to introduce themselves to strangers, make friends, join
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Socially Neglected
Children may be more likely to ignore their inattentive peers, possibly because of their perceived unresponsiveness or shyness; they may avoid interacting with combined-type peers who struggle to “play nicely” and follow rules or directions.
How Inattentive ADHD Affects Daily Life?
The presence of inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can greatly affect various phases of a person’s life:
- Educational Challenges: Students may underperform due to missed assignments, careless mistakes, or difficulty following instructions.
- Professional Difficulties: Adults might struggle with meeting deadlines, organizing tasks, or maintaining productivity, potentially hindering career advancement.
- Socially withdrawn: Slow memory processing or appearing disinterested can weaken connections, as others may consider these behaviors as an absence of care or engagement.
How to Manage Inattentive ADHD?
The right treatment can give a span of control in one’s life that they might not have in the past.Most adults do best with a combined approach. Here’s how our ADHD treatment approach is personalized to inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, without repeating generic advice.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapies are evidence-based treatment options that help in treating a wide range of mental health disorders, including inattentive ADHD. A mental health professional and the patient sit together and talk about their issues. Here are some of the common therapies that are helpful:
Behavioral training (BT): It’s really helpful in managing the symptoms of ADHD and its subtypes. Behavioral training is specifically developed for children who are suffering from Inattentive Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The CBT treatment, which imparts skills and strategies for planning, organization, time management, and more, improves ADHD symptoms. The program’s most helpful strategies include planner use and task chunking (breaking down large jobs into smaller steps) to help individuals overcome procrastination.
Get Professional Help at Renewed Mental Health Group
If you or someone you know often faces issues in focusing on work, remembering things, or completing everyday tasks, don’t overlook these symptoms. Earlier identification and professional support can make life much more comfortable. Reach out to a qualified mental health professional at Renewed Mental Health Group. We have a highly qualified team of mental health professionals who provide compassionate treatments. Our experts are dedicated to helping you by providing a safe and warm environment where you can talk about your issues without the fear of judgment.
You can also get virtual treatments from the comfort of your home through telepsychiatric appointments.
Book your appointment today!
Last Remarks
Inattentive ADHD is a more advanced and real form of ADHD that can affect different aspects of our life, like school, work, and daily life. It is more than just being forgetful or easily distracted. It is a real neurodevelopmental condition that can affect learning, work, relationships, and everyday life. Because its symptoms are often subtle and less alarming than those of hyperactive ADHD, many people don’t notice symptoms for years. Figuring out the signs, getting a proper diagnosis, and receiving the right treatment can make a notable difference. With appropriate treatment, practical strategies, and family support, individuals with inattentive ADHD can manage their symptoms and lead successful, pleasing lives.
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