Inattentive ADHD in Adults Symptoms Do you find yourself often lost in your daydreams, ignoring appointments, or making careless mistakes at work? These are indicators of inattention ADHD for adults. ADHD sufferers have trouble staying on task, whether at school, work or home. They often misplace their keys or do not return phone calls. These symptoms can affect their social and leisure activities. 1. Trouble paying attention Inattentional ADHD for adults is characterized by difficulties paying attention to the smallest details, loosing items and leaving work assignments unfinished. If you find yourself daydreaming during meetings, doodles in your notebook during classes or unable to keep track of your tasks at work it's important to understand that these issues aren't personal faults or a sign of underachievement. They're signs of a neurological condition that can affect anyone, but are more prevalent in women than in men. People with inattention ADHD are more likely to lose their phones and keys frequently. They frequently forget appointments, misplace documents or papers, and often miss deadlines. Their symptoms can cause strained relationships, financial strain and a feeling of unworthiness. A health professional will examine your symptoms and how they impact your daily life to diagnose ADHD or ADD. A doctor can also rule out other medical or mental disorders that may be causing your symptoms. They may perform an examination of your body to look the physical causes of your symptoms. Your doctor might prescribe medication to help you concentrate. The most commonly prescribed stimulants, also known as drugs, boost the levels of brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine that improve cognitive function and attention. In some instances the non-stimulant medications are prescribed if stimulants aren't working or if they cause adverse effects. Behavioral therapy can help you improve your ability to focus. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for instance can help you learn to identify your ideal concentration level and plan your tasks accordingly. You can also develop strategies for managing stress, like prioritizing, creating lists and schedules, among others. 2. Forgetting Things If you frequently lose your keys or forget to pay your bills or fail to attend important appointments, these difficulties may be signs of inattentive ADHD. You may also have trouble keeping track of multiple tasks at work or home, leave projects unfinished and have difficulty to manage your materials. These are all symptoms of inattention ADHD which can make it difficult to be successful in the classroom, at work and in relationships. Adults with inattentive ADHD may feel as if they are drowning in a sea full of challenges. They may appear to be calm and successful on the surface, but underneath they are battling to stay afloat in the water. Inattention ADHD issues can lead to problems in relationships and families financial problems, health problems, and self-esteem issues and self-doubt if left untreated. People with inattentive ADHD are often unable to remember things that they have experienced or heard recently as a result of another symptom of the disorder. They can make a few mistakes like skipping questions on a quiz or overlooking errors in a document. Inattentional ADHD may also cause problems in relationships or at school due to forgetfulness, difficulty staying organized and an inclination to move from task to task. A person's behavior is a key symptom for ADHD diagnosis. If you're forgetful and unorganized, but have an excellent and positive job, you might not qualify for an ADHD assessment. A mental health professional may employ a checklist or a questionnaire to determine the severity of your symptoms. They may also interview you to inquire about your previous behaviors and how your symptoms have affected you. 3. Trouble Listening People with inattention ADHD are unable to focus on important details when listening. They may be able to recall the basics, but struggle to take precise notes during class or follow instructions. They may be unable to comprehend what their friends and coworkers say. This can cause frustration for everyone involved. Inattention ADHD can be identified if you are constantly losing your keys or having trouble keeping track of your appointments. ADHD symptoms in adults males may have difficulty remembering conversations at work or following directions. Your family may also complain that you don't remember birthday cards and other invitations. You may notice that you are frequently interrupted by friends or colleagues, and have a hard to finish conversations. You might also avoid or fear doing mental tasks that require sustained effort. Instead you prefer to take part in more enjoyable activities. You might misunderstand other people or interpret their actions incorrectly due to your inattentive ADHD. Inattentive ADHD The most prevalent form among children, can be overlooked by adults. You might have skipped classes or missed assignments but you didn't receive an diagnosis because of the absence of hyperactivity. You may seek treatment from a health care provider or a mental health professional who will evaluate your symptoms to determine whether you have inattentive ADHD. You can improve your ability to focus by taking medication which help in regulating brain signals. These include psychostimulants, such as amphetamine, methylphenidate, as well as antidepressants, such as bupropion and venlafaxine. Speech therapy can also help improve your listening skills. For instance, you could learn to smile and smile in conversations to show you're interested. You can also relate what someone is saying with something you know to keep their attention. 4. Distractions People with inattention ADHD make impulsive mistakes due to their difficulty following instructions, completing tasks, and staying organized. They might also struggle with forgetfulness and avoid doing things that require constant mental effort. These challenges can make them have a difficult time maintaining their relationships, jobs and manage their the demands of daily life. Adults with undiagnosed inattentive ADHD can suffer from low self-esteem, a sense of being in a state of failure, and a constant feeling of frustration. They are often called lazy or flaky. Adults who discover they suffer from inattention ADHD are shocked to find out that their difficulties were caused by a medical condition. If you find it difficult to listen to your professor in college or staying focused during business meetings, it could be a sign you suffer from inattentive ADHD. You might have trouble following directions, staying focused and keeping track of the time. This can lead to incomplete assignments or classes and a messy house, or problems at work or school. You might be prone to putting off reading or writing. You may have a difficult time finishing projects or completing them to the end, and you may have to chew gum or sip on coffee during meetings to concentrate. A psychiatrist or psychologist who is an expert in this disorder can diagnose inattentive ADHD. Your primary care physician or family physician may refer you to one. You might also consider participating in a clinical study. These studies aid researchers in finding new methods to prevent, diagnose, and treat illnesses and conditions. Consult your health care doctor about whether a clinical trial is the right option for you. NIMH's clinical trials page has information on the benefits and risks of participating in a clinical trial. 5. Problems with Executive Functioning An individual with inattention ADHD can have difficulty managing their time, staying organized and making the right decisions. They may forget things or fail to keep up on commitments and frequently make mistakes that can lead to issues at work, school or at home. They may also be unable to think before speaking and often blurt out comments that make others feel embarrassed or hurt. It is common for people who suffer from inattention ADHD to have difficulty performing routine tasks, like getting up in the morning, getting ready for work, or remembering appointments. They might also have difficulty with impulse-driven behaviors, like rushing into activities without thinking about or planning. This can result in procrastination and an inability to keep deadlines, even important ones. Adults with inattentive ADHD might also struggle to be a good friend to their colleagues and family members. They may have trouble listening to others speak and be perceived as inattentive in conversations. They may also lose things like wallets, keys and clothes on a regular basis. Talk to your doctor about the signs of inattention ADHD. They can get treatment for their ADHD which includes medication, coaching, and lifestyle changes. Adult ADHD is treated with stimulants. They can increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. These enhances attention and cognitive function. Non-stimulant medication is recommended in certain instances when stimulants do not work or cause too many adverse side effects. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of cognitive therapy, can be beneficial for those with inattentive ADHD. It can help them learn to prioritize and schedule tasks as well as identify their ideal focus and also break to aid in memory.
