A Lesser Known Form of Attention Deficit Disorder

Most people are familiar with the hyperactive variant of attention deficit disorder, which is characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inability to pay attention. What many people don’t know is that the hyperactive variant of ADHD is only one subtype of the disorder. The “hyper,” bouncing-off-the-walls stereotype of attention deficit disorder actually obscures the reality that there is a second subtype that is less frequently discussed. It’s called “inattentive attention deficit disorder,” and although it is less often recognized by parents and teachers, it is just as much an obstacle to one’s success.   

How Inattentive ADD Differs from ADHD 

It’s normally quite easy to identify children with the hyperactive form of attention deficit disorder because they tend to be disruptive in the classroom, can’t sit still, and have trouble following directions. In contrast, inattentive attention deficit disorder is quieter and subtler, making it more likely to be overlooked. Someone with inattentive attention deficit disorder is unlikely to draw attention to themselves by being loud and disruptive in a classroom environment. In fact, they are often rather quiet and tend to daydream or “stare out into space.” Although children with inattentive ADD generally present less of a behavioral and disciplinary challenge than ADHD children, they are just as likely to struggle in school because they cannot concentrate. This poor performance is often misattributed to boredom, disinterest, or unwillingness to learn. In reality, however, they are genuinely struggling because they cannot pay attention.

  

Symptoms of Inattentive Attention Deficit Disorder 

The symptoms of inattentive attention deficit disorder are quite similar to the symptoms of classical ADHD. The major difference is that instead of being hyperactive and having too much energy, someone with the inattentive type of ADD actually has too little energy.

The DSM-V criteria for Inattentive Attention Deficit Disorder include:

·         Poor attention to detail

·         Making careless mistakes in school or work

·         Has trouble sticking to a task or play activity

·         Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly

·          Difficulty following instructions

·         Difficulty completing schoolwork, chores, or job tasks

·         Tendency to lose necessary objects, such as pens

·         Becoming easily distracted

·         Tendency to be forgetful in daily activities

Although the hyperactive component is missing, someone with inattentive ADD struggles to concentrate, pay attention, and remember details. 

Treating Inattentive Attention Deficit Disorder

There are several approaches to treating inattentive ADD and they may be used individually or in combination depending on the particular patient and their needs. These include:

·         Prescription stimulant medications, such as Adderall, Dexedrine, Ritalin, and Concerta.               

·         Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying maladaptive patterns of thought and behavior, and finding better approaches to handling situations in life.

·         Neurofeedback therapy, which uses EEG readouts of brainwave activity to train someone to learn to self-regulate these cognitive process. In turn, neurofeedback can correct the dysfunctions that contribute to the symptoms of ADD and ADHD.

Of these methods, neurofeedback therapy may be the safest and most effective treatment. It is a primarily neurophysiological approach to treatment, and doesn’t come with any of the negative side effects or long-term health risks associated with prescription stimulant pills.