Inattentive ADHD is one of the three recognized presentations of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Unlike the hyperactive-impulsive type that’s easier to spot in children, inattentive ADHD is more internal and quiet. If you’re wondering “what is inattentive ADHD,” keep reading to learn more about this mental health condition and how it can be treated.
What Are The Three Types of ADHD?
ADHD can be classified into three different types:
- Predominantly Inattentive Type: Defined by distractibility, forgetfulness, and difficulty staying focused (no obvious hyperactivity)
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Characterized by high energy levels, restlessness, and impulsive actions
- Combined Type: Features a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors
Inattentive ADHD is the most common overall, especially amongst adults and women. Since the signs aren’t as obvious as hyperactivity symptoms, this ADHD subtype can easily be missed or misdiagnosed.
Signs and Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD
Research suggests that ADHD symptoms may switch from overregulation (hyperactivity) in childhood to underregulation (inattention) in adulthood. Common signs and symptoms of inattentive ADHD include:
- Frequently losing important items
- Trouble following through on tasks and instructions
- Zoning out or daydreaming during conversations or meetings
- Difficulty prioritizing and meeting deadlines
- Poor working memory
- Careless mistakes in school or work
- Difficulty organizing tasks and responsibilities
- Avoiding or procrastinating on mentally demanding tasks
- Being easily distracted by outside stimuli or internal thoughts
Sustained attention and working memory appear to have the strongest connection to inattentive behavior. Weaknesses in these areas may prevent people from maintaining task goals in their mind, which may cause their attention to drift toward other stimuli.
How Inattentive ADHD Can Affect Daily Life
Inattentive ADHD can affect performance, stability, and wellbeing across several areas of life. For example, one workplace survey found that half of participants reported being terminated from a job, and 60% believed their ADHD symptoms were to blame.
Here’s how inattentive ADHD can look in day-to-day life:
- Missed deadlines and incomplete projects
- Forgetfulness or inattentiveness that leaves partners feeling ignored or unsupported
- Late bill payments or impulse purchases
- Irregular sleep schedules, skipped medications, or poor eating habits
- Feeling like you’ve let others down, leading to guilt, shame, and anxiety
What Causes Inattentive ADHD?
Scientists believe inattentive ADHD develops from a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental factors, but it can also stem from factors during pregnancy or birth. These include maternal substance or alcohol use, lead or chemical exposure, preterm birth, and low birth weight. One study found that mothers who experienced high stress during pregnancy were more than twice as likely to have a child later diagnosed with ADHD.
How Do You Get Diagnosed With Inattentive ADHD?
Getting diagnosed with inattentive ADHD involves several steps. Since symptoms can overlap with other conditions like anxiety, depression, or learning disorders, doctors must rule those out first. A diagnosis can be made by a mental health professional or a primary care provider.
For children, doctors will get feedback from parents, teachers, and other adults who observe the child in different settings. Providers look for:
- Six or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity in children up to age 16
- Symptoms that have lasted at least six months
- Behaviors that are inconsistent with developmental level
For adolescents ages 17 and older, as well as adults, the criteria is as follows:
- Five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity
- Symptoms present for at least six months
- Evidence that these symptoms interfere with work, school, or relationships
Inattentive ADHD usually doesn’t involve obvious hyperactivity, making it harder to spot in some individuals. A mental health exam will consider behavior across multiple settings and stages of life to avoid misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.
Treatment for Inattentive ADHD
Managing inattentive ADHD usually requires a combination of treatments, such as therapy, medication, and coaching. Lifestyle changes can complement professional interventions, too, and may include:
- Building and sticking to consistent routines
- Exercising regularly
- Keeping a consistent sleep schedule
- Eating well
- Limiting screen time
In addition, support networks like peer groups and family education programs give people with ADHD the encouragement and accountability they need to stay on track.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people challenge negative self-talk and tackle habitual procrastination patterns. A key part of CBT is breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps and using reminders to help you follow-through.
Another helpful part of CBT is problem-solving training. This involves:
- Identifying the problem or obstacle
- Making a list of possible solutions
- Determining the strengths and weaknesses of each solution
- Choosing a solution to try
- Putting the solution into practice
Research has shown that problem-solving techniques are associated with a measurable reduction in inattention symptoms. Due to the nature of their symptoms, people with ADHD often face frequent job changes or unstable relationships, making them feel overwhelmed or panicked. These feelings can interfere with one’s attention and prevent them from tackling problems head-on.
Medication
There are two types of medications that may be prescribed for inattentive ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants (methylphenidate and amphetamine) are considered first-line options. They boost levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia, improving both inattention and hyperactivity.
For those who don’t tolerate stimulants well or have co-occurring conditions like anxiety or a history of substance use, non-stimulant medications may be a better fit. These include atomoxetine, guanfacine, and clonidine, all of which can improve attention while avoiding the risks that come with stimulants.
ADHD Coaching
ADHD coaching focuses on action-oriented strategies. Unlike therapy that looks at past experiences or emotional patterns, coaching is future-focused and helps clients build skills for staying organized and productive. Coaching can involve:
- Clearly defining and prioritizing goals
- Anticipating roadblocks that could interfere with progress
- Developing strategies to overcome those roadblocks
- Creating reminder systems to support self-monitoring
- Providing external accountability and evaluating progress regularly
While ADHD coaching is not a licensed mental health profession, many coaches pursue specialized training and certification. More importantly, coaching teaches clients how to harness their natural motivation so that they can meet their personal and professional goals.
Don’t Let Inattentive ADHD Hold You Back
Cura Behavioral Health provides compassionate mental health services for patients living with ADHD and other conditions. Our team uses evidence-based approaches to help clients improve their focus, get organized, and build healthier routines that support their long-term success.
If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of inattentive ADHD, call us today.
Sources:
- The Prevalence of DSM-IV Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Meta-Analytic Review – Neurotherapeutics
- Working memory related functional connectivity in adult ADHD and its amenability to training: A randomized controlled trial – NeuroImage:Clinical
- Unique and overlapping contributions of sustained attention and working memory to parent and teacher ratings of inattentive behavior – A Journal on Normal and Abnormal Development in Childhood and Adolescence
- Understanding the Impact of Employees with ADHD in the Workplace – SHRM
- Prenatal and Early Life Risk Factors of ADHD: What Research Says — and What Parents Can Do – Additude Magazine
- Diagnosing ADHD – CDC
- Components of cognitive–behavioural therapy for mitigating core symptoms in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis – BMJ Mental Health
- Emerging drugs for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Expert Opinion on Emerging Drugs
