Inattentive Type of ADHD: Signs, Roots, Management Strategies
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a neurodevelopmental disorder, affects approximately 9.4% of children in the United States alone. This condition can manifest differently from one person to the next, and symptoms can change as you transition from childhood into adulthood.
One type of ADHD is the inattentive type, also known as ADHD-PI. Symptoms of this subtype are predominantly related to inattention. These may include frequently making careless mistakes, difficulty maintaining attention during long-format work, appearing distracted during direct conversation, starting tasks and regularly leaving them incomplete, difficulty organizing time, spaces, and task planning, forgetfulness in daily activities, distractibility from minor stimuli, and regularly losing important items necessary for task completion.
The exact causes of ADHD aren't well understood, but research suggests a number of factors can influence its development. These include genetics, environmental toxins, childhood trauma, brain injury, prenatal substance exposure, structural brain changes, and extreme stress during pregnancy.
Treatment for inattentive type ADHD involves a combination of medications, psychosocial support, and psychotherapy approaches. Medications like stimulants, such as amphetamines (Adderall, Evekeo, and Dexedrine) and methylphenidates (Ritalin, Focalin, and Concerta), help regulate chemical messengers in your brain known as neurotransmitters. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), clonidine (Kapvay), and viloxazine (Qelbree) are also available. Antidepressants can be a part of the treatment plan if mood symptoms accompany ADHD.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to improve organization, time management, and attention. Behavioral therapy, especially in children, is also a common treatment approach. Psychoeducation, home management strategies, and family therapy are other essential components of the treatment plan.
Family therapy, parent training, behavioral therapy, social skills training, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), classroom interventions, stress management, and home management strategies are types of therapies used for treating inattentive type ADHD. These therapies cover multiple areas of behavioral, educational, individual, and family dynamics.
Home management strategies can help counter common challenges in ADHD, like inattention and distraction. These strategies include setting a routine, limiting choices, breaking tasks down into small steps, asking for simple, clear instructions, rewarding oneself when tasks are completed, eliminating distractions, using organizational tools, creating reminders and checklists, reaching out to a loved one for support, focusing on healthy lifestyle habits, and more.
It's essential to note that the DSM-5-TR outlines the diagnostic criteria for ADHD inattentive type, but how these symptoms look in everyday life can differ for each person. Up to 70% of children living with ADHD see symptom improvement on these medications.
While this article provides an overview of inattentive type ADHD, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive understanding and personalised treatment plan.
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