Everything you need to know about Inattentive ADHD

Everything you need to know about Inattentive ADHD

Understanding Inattentive ADHD


Inattentive ADHD, a subtype of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), manifests as difficulties in paying attention to details, easy distraction, struggles with organization or task completion, and frequent oversight of daily responsibilities like bill payments or returning phone calls. Although there is no absolute cure for the disorder, its symptoms can be effectively managed using behavioral treatments and medications.

Recognizing Inattentive ADHD


ADHD, a neuropsychiatric disorder, affects one’s ability to focus, manage impulsivity, think through actions, and control restless behaviors such as squirming, fidgeting, or hyperactivity. It hinders the ability to concentrate on a task without distraction for a prolonged period. Consequently, the disorder complicates day-to-day activities, thereby reducing the quality of life.

As per the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD can be classified into three types:

  • Predominantly inattentive presentation.
  • Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
  • Combined presentation, displaying a mix of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.


Origins of Inattentive ADHD


The exact cause of ADHD is still uncertain, although it appears to have both genetic and environmental factors and often runs in families. Predominantly inattentive ADHD is frequently diagnosed in children and adolescents who might have faced school disciplinary actions due to their distractibility or incomplete assignments.

The disorder may go unnoticed until adolescence or adulthood because children with inattentive ADHD are typically not hyperactive. This is particularly true for women and girls with inattentive ADHD who may be quieter and less noticeable than their peers. Sometimes, a woman’s ADHD may not be diagnosed until she has a child diagnosed with the disorder, leading her to recognize similar patterns in her behavior and seek treatment.

Diagnosing Inattentive ADHD


There are no medical or genetic tests to diagnose primarily inattentive ADHD. Instead, a comprehensive symptom analysis, performed by a certified mental health professional, is essential to diagnose ADHD. This professional may be a medical doctor, psychiatrist, neurologist, or clinical psychologist.

The diagnostic process includes:

  • Establishing symptom presence.
  • Confirming symptoms are not due to another mental health or environmental condition.
  • Identifying potential co-existing mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder.

An adult seeking diagnosis of ADHD inattentive type must be 17 years or older and exhibit the following:

  • At least five of the listed inattentive symptoms persisting for a minimum of six months.
  • Symptoms adversely affecting functionality in social, domestic, or professional settings.
  • Certain symptoms appearing before age 12.
  • Multiple symptoms appearing in significant areas of life, such as work or personal relationships.
  • Symptoms not attributable to another mental disorder.

Is Inattentive ADHD a Disability?


ADHD, including the inattentive subtype, is recognized as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The degree of disability and eligibility for accommodations depend on the severity of an individual’s ADHD.

Medication for Inattentive ADHD


Many adults with primarily inattentive ADHD find success with medications typically prescribed for pediatric ADHD. However, the dosage and frequency may require adjustment during the initial phase of treatment. Hence, it’s crucial to tailor the medication to the individual’s needs. Common categories of medications for ADHD include stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants.

Managing ADHD


For children under six with ADHD, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends behavior management training for parents before considering medication. For children aged six and above, the AAP suggests a combination of medication, behavioral treatment, parent training, additional behavioral therapy, and physical activities. Schools may also be involved in the treatment plan, including behavioral classroom interventions and academic support.

A successful treatment plan requires close monitoring to determine if the therapy is positively affecting the child’s behavior, how beneficial it is, and the capacity to make necessary adjustments along the way.

How VARDS Can Assist


VARDS’ certified psychiatrists and therapists provide mental health services 24/7, including regular and emergency psychiatric care. All VARDS Psychiatrists, Tele-psychiatrists, mental health nurse practitioners, counselors, and therapists are licensed and certified by their state’s medical board. They are thus dependable for patients in the United States needing both scheduled and emergency treatment.

VARDS services are accessible through various channels, such as email, video calls, phone calls, and text messages. The services are not only cost-effective but also potentially covered by health insurance providers like Regence, Tri-care, UBH-Optum, Cigna, Aetna, and Premera.

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