When most people think of ADHD, hyperactivity is often what people think of. There are actually 3 subtypes of ADHD including hyperactivity, inattentiveness and a combination of both hyperactivity and inattentiveness.
What is Inattentive ADHD?
ADHD is considered one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders which affects both children and adults. 70% of people with ADHD in childhood will continue to have it in adolescence and approximately 50% will continue into adulthood.
ADHD is described as a lack of focus and attention including not paying attention to detail and making careless mistakes, disorganizations, poor listening skills, distractibility, and constantly losing items.
There has been little research done on the inattentive type, however this is slowly changing. there are many reasons why the inattentive type is overlooked and why it is important to discuss it. Studies show that females are more likely to have the inattentive type of ADHD. This type of ADHD is often ignored or overlooked due to its comorbidities. Females are more likely to have learning disorders such as dyscalculia (math learning difficulties) and dysgraphia (writing disorders), as well as anxiety, depression and speech and language issues.
Other challenges faced by children and adults with inattentive ADHD includes issues in executive functioning including difficulty in sequencing, staying on a task, prioritizing, and productivity.
Signs and Symptoms
According to DSM-V, a person must meet six of the nine symptoms listed below:
- fails to pay close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
- has difficulty sustaining attention in work or play
- does not listen when spoken to directly.
- fails to finish schoolwork, chores or work duties
- has difficulties organizing activities
- avoids task requiring sustained mental effort
- loses things
- is easily distracted
- is forgetful.
Causes
Research suggests the following play a role in the diagnosis of inattentive ADHD:
- Genetics
- environmental
- low birthrate
- stress during pregnancy
Treatment
There is no known treatment for inattentive ADHD. The following medications are used for treatment:
- methylphenidate- used to create activity in the brain
- lisdexamfetamin- improves concentration, helps focus attention
- guanfacine- works to improve attention
Strategies in working with students with Inattentive ADHD:
- Allow enough time to complete work. students with Inattentive type take a longer in completing assignments and processing information
- Be specific and provide structure. Explain your expectations and ensure instructions are clear.
- Decrease distractions as much as you can
- Monitor for both depression and anxiety
- Help to build self-esteem
- Provide accommodations in areas of learning.
For adults in the workplace
- Vary instruction when training new staff
- allow frequent breaks
- decrease distractions
- use visual strategies for feedback and expectation.
