Inattentive Adhd Symptom : Laziness Or Apathy
He could pay attention if he tried. Shes just not dedicated thats why she misses so many deadlines. Unfortunately, inattentive symptoms sometimes make us look lazy or uncaring, especially if the ADHD is undiagnosed or hasnt been disclosed. Without treatment, were prone to losing jobs and friends or even developing a hard and bitter persona as a defense mechanism. If everyones pinned you as lazy your whole life, its easy to start to see yourself that way, too.
Why Should You Get Treated
Every aspect of your life can be affected by ADHD.
This disorder can make it difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish the simplest of tasks. Symptoms may start to cause problems in relationships. Some individuals start abusing substances to cope with negative emotions and self-image, putting themselves at risk for addiction.
Treatment can help you develop strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your outlook on life.
Attention-deficit hyperactive disorder is a developmental disorder that primarily affects a persons ability to stay organized and control impulses. It is now recognized that there are three variations of ADHD: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive, and combined. West Coast Recovery Centers is primarily an outpatient treatment facility for addiction and co-occurring disorders in Oceanside, CA. Our program is certified by California. We recognize the challenges that ADHD can cause, as symptoms can be disruptive and cause conflicts in various settings. It is crucial to develop a management plan for ADHD early on so you can lead a productive and happy life. Since dealing with ADHD can be stressful, other complications may develop down the road, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. We offer both traditional and holistic therapies in individual and group settings, as well as medication management. Call us today at to learn how we can help.
Attention And Its Diseases
Although ADHD is now one of the most prevalent psychiatric diagnoses, its features were only first loosely described in 1798 by Alexander Crichton, a Scottish doctor.
In a book chapter named On Attention and its Diseases, he describes a condition as such:
When born with a person it becomes evident at a very early period of life, and has a very bad effect, inasmuch as it renders him incapable of attending with constancy to any one object of education. But it seldom is in so great a degree as totally to impede all instruction and what is very fortunate, it is generally diminished with age.
Alexander Crichton, 1798
This quotation seems to describe something similar to the presentation of inattentive ADHD symptoms in childhood. However, the physician did not note any hyperactive or impulsive symptoms.
You May Like: Can A Whole Family Be Autistic
What Is The Correct Way To Refer To Adhd In People With Different Behaviors
Today, a formal diagnosis of ADHD includes a brief description of a persons behavior pattern. They may have ADHD with a predominantly inattentive presentation, ADHD with a predominately hyperactive-impulsive presentation or ADHD with a combined presentation that includes some inattentive, hyperactive and/or impulsive behaviors, according to the CDC.¹
Children and teens up to age 17 should have , for at least six months that interfere with play, social life, school, and/or work that are present in more than one situation , first appeared before age 12 and are not the result of a mental health disorder. (Mania associated with can look a lot like ADHD impulsivity, for example.
No They Aren’t *totally* The Same
Maggie ONeill is a health writer and reporter based in New York who specializes in covering medical research and emerging wellness trends, with a focus on cancer and addiction. Prior to her time at Health, her work appeared in the Observer, Good Housekeeping, CNN, and Vice. She was a fellow of the Association of Health Care Journalists 2020 class on Womens Health Journalism and 2021 class on Cancer Reporting. In her spare time, she likes meditating, watching TikToks, and playing fetch with her dog, Finnegan.
Daydreaming, fidgeting, finding yourself easily distractedthey’re all clear symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder . Or is it attention-deficit disorder ? Is there even a difference between the two?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but in reality, they’re actually not the same thingand that confusion stems from how experts have classified the neurodevelopmental disorder in the past.
A little history lesson: According to Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder , the American Psychiatric Association first mentioned ADD, with or without hyperactivity, in 1980, even though it was known by other names before that. Then, in 1987, the name was changed from ADD to ADHD but it was 1994 before the APA introduced the disorder with its current name: ADHD with three different types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, and combined type.
Also Check: Why Is Autism On The Rise
Add Vs Adhd: What’s The Difference In Symptoms
Traditionally, inattentive symptoms of attention deficit like trouble listening or managing time were diagnosed as “ADD.” Hyperactive and impulsive symptoms were associated with the term “ADHD.”
Today, there is no ADD vs. ADHD ADD and ADHD are considered subtypes of the same condition and the same diagnosis, according to the DSM-5. Similarly, the stereotypical caricature of a person with ADHD a boisterous, outspoken risk taker is outdated. Many people with attention deficit disorder especially girls and women live with a quiet, spacey form of the condition that’s often misunderstood and undiagnosed. Here, we explain the differences between ADHD’s 3 sub-types.
Are Adhd And Add The Same Thing
ADHD and ADD have become part of our everyday language, but there was a time when people with attention disorders went undiagnosed and underserved. Once known as hyperkinetic impulse disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder became an official diagnosis in the 1960s. The terms ADHD and ADD are often used interchangeably, but are they actually the same condition? If not, what are the differences between ADD and ADHD?
Also Check: Can You Join The Army If Your Autistic
Inattentive Adhd Symptom : Distractibility
Inattentive adults are dreamers, doodling on their notes during a big meeting or studying a fly on the wall while their spouses are asking about bills. Often nicknamed space cadets or written off as flaky, many people misinterpret their lack of focus as lack of interest and can get frustrated by their inability to pay attention, especially when its important that they do so.
Add Vs Adhd: Is One Better Than The Other
ADD and ADHD are distinct conditions, though they share many of the same symptoms. Their differences do not make one better or worse than the other, but gaining a proper understanding of each condition will arm you with the information you need to create the best treatment regimen possible.
You have ADD: You have trouble at company meetings, you find yourself constantly daydreaming and being snapped back to paying attention when someone says your name. You consistently lose your keys, forget appointments, and are one of the most disorganized people in the office.
Your co-worker, on the other hand, has ADHD. He is constantly moving, constantly talking, and never seems to complete anything, moving from one project to the next. He always looks busy, but he says he never feels like he has accomplished anything. Even though you are so different, you both have the same disorder. It is baffling to think that you both take the same medication and it helps decrease his symptoms of hyperactivity while providing you with more motivation.
ADD is commonly used to refer to Attention Deficit Disorder without hyperactivity and ADHD is often used to describe Attention Deficit Disorder with hyperactivity. Both are considered to be a type of the same condition. There are some major differences between ADD and ADHD:
ADHD , has symptoms such as fidgeting, being constantly in motion, restlessness, talking excessively, blurting out answers, and interrupting others.
Recommended Reading: Can You Grow Out Of Mild Autism
What Causes Adhd And Add
Researchers dont yet know the exact cause of ADHD/ADD, however there are a few factors which are thought to be responsible. Firstly, its thought that genetics play a big part in causing ADHD or ADD. The condition tends to run in families and theres a greater chance that youll inherit this neurodivergence if your parents have it.
Secondly, brain function could also be a cause of ADHD/ADD. Studies have shown potential differences in the brain structures of people with and without ADHD.
What Is Hyperactive Impulsive Adhd
Hyperactive impulsive type ADHD is the stereotype most people imagine when they think of ADHD: a young boy, bouncing off the walls, and interrupting the teacher mid sentence. Yet, this description fits only a small portion of those with the condition. To have this type, a person must have 6 or more of the following symptoms:
- Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
- Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
- Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate .
- Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
- Appears on the go or acts as if driven by a motor.
- Talks excessively.
- Blurts out the answers before the questions have been completed.
- Has difficulty awaiting turn.
Don’t Miss: Can Autism Be Caused By Emotional Trauma
Adhd Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
Kids with this condition aren’t hyperactive. They don’t have the high energy level seen in others with ADHD. In fact, children with this form may seem shy or “in their own world.”
ADD is diagnosed if a child under age 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention for at least 6 consecutive months but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity.
The symptoms include:
- Trouble paying attention
- Doesn’t like or avoids long mental tasks
- Trouble staying on task during school, at home, or even at play
- Disorganized and seems forgetful
- Doesn’t appear to listen when directly spoken to
- Doesn’t pay close attention to details
- Loses things often
What Are The Symptom Differences Between Add And Adhd
People with ADD often lack the hyperactivity component that is a prominent symptom of Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. They might be considered daydreamers or appear to be disinterested and disorganized in the classroom or the workplace. They can also be prone to forgetfulness and losing things, and struggle to follow instructions.
In comparison, those with Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD align more closely with the stereotypical understanding of attention deficit a fidgeting, impulsive individual , who is bursting with energy and struggles to wait their turn. Those with this type of ADHD tend to act out and demonstrate behavior problems.
Recommended Reading: What Kind Of Disorder Is Autism Spectrum Disorder
Hyperkinetic Reaction Of Childhood
The first name for the collection of characteristics that we now know as ADHD / ADD was not recorded until 1968. The symptoms were described as being characterised by overactivity, restlessness, distractibility, and short attention span.
They appeared in the American Psychiatric Associations DSM-II , and were used to diagnose a condition called Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood.
All Types Of Adhd Used To Be Known As Add Today Add Is An Outdated Term For A Fairly Common Brain Disorder Even Though You May Still See It Used Online In Books And In The Media Heres What To Know About These Two Terms For One Condition
Is it ADDor ADHD? Youve likely heard both used by people in the ADHD community, as well as online, in books, in the media and even by healthcare professionals.
Which term is correct? Is there a difference between them? The story behind these two names reflects a growing scientific understanding of this common brain condition as well as lingering misunderstandings that boost negative stereotypes and too often ignore those whose doesnt feature predominant hyperactive or impulsive symptoms.
Also Check: Is My Partner Autistic Test
The Difference Between Add And Adhd
Many people use the terms ADD and ADHD interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. ADD is the colloquial term for one particular type of ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type, formerly called attention deficit disorder. To summarize:
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurological or psychological disorder.
- Technically speaking, attention deficit disorder is no longer a medical diagnosis, but ADD is often used to refer to Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD and associated symptoms
- Since 1994, doctors have been using the term ADHD to describe both the hyperactive and inattentive subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder1.
- Still, many parents, teachers, and adults continue to use the term ADD.
Can You Outgrow Adhd
Because the symptoms of ADHD change over time, some may assume you can outgrow the disorder. In fact, it was once common to think that ADHD was a disorder that only affected children, and adults would eventually stop struggling with ADHD symptoms. However, today we believe ADHD is a disorder that starts in childhood and lasts into adulthood. Still, some children experience fewer ADHD problems over time to the point that it no longer impairs their lives. This may be because they learn to cope with problems that would cause impairments in adult life. Children with mild or moderate ADHD may be able to adapt to the disorder over time.
Still, the majority of people with ADHD continue to struggle with it into adulthood. Since ADHD symptoms can appear in adults in a way that it doesnt in children, growing up with ADHD may mean coping with changing symptoms. With treatment, its possible to learn effective coping strategies that allow you to live a life that is not impaired by ADHD symptoms.
Recommended Reading: How Much Speech Therapy For Autism
Recommended Reading: Does Mild Autism Get Better With Age
What People Mean By Add
The difference between the terms ADD and ADHD has to do with symptoms. ADHD has three main symptoms:
Most people with ADHD struggle in all three areas. But some mainly have trouble with attention, or focus. Before 1994, they would have been diagnosed with ADD . Today, the formal diagnosis is ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type.
There are other terms people use to refer to this type of ADHD. You might hear:
- ADHD without hyperactivity
- Inattentive ADHD
All of these terms mean the same thing ADHD when the main symptom is inattention.
When kids with ADHD mostly struggle with attention, their challenges arent always recognized. They may just come across as shy, daydreamy, or off in their own world. But trouble with focus impacts kids in lots of ways.
They might not follow through on projects or have trouble following directions. Its often hard for them to sift through information and know whats important and what isnt. They may be easily distracted and seem forgetful or careless.
Inattentive Adhd Symptom : No Follow
For children and adults alike, inattentive ADHD can manifest as a million projects lying around the house in states of completion the vegetable garden that got planted but never watered the new organization system that was assembled but never used the abandoned sheet music for the piano lessons started and then ditched after a few tough months. If you love to plan and start projects but get sidetracked and leave a trail of unfulfilled promises in your wake, that could be a sign of inattentive ADHD.
You May Like: How To Help Autism In Adults
How Is Adhd Diagnosed In Adults
ADHD is a disorder that begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD experienced several symptoms of ADHD before the age of 12. As adults, they currently experience at least five persistent symptoms of inattention and/or five persistent symptoms of hyperactivity-impulsivity. These symptoms must be present in two or more settings and interfere with, or reduce the quality of, social, school, or work functioning.
Adults who think they may have ADHD should talk to their health care provider. Primary care providers routinely diagnose and treat ADHD and may refer individuals to mental health professionals. If you need help starting the conversation, check out NIMHs Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Provider fact sheet.
Stress, other mental health conditions, and physical conditions or illnesses can cause similar symptoms to those of ADHD. Therefore, a thorough evaluation by a health care provider or mental health professional is necessary to determine the cause of the symptoms and identify effective treatments. During this evaluation, the health care provider or mental health professional will examine factors including the persons mood, medical history, and whether they struggle with other issues, such as alcohol or substance misuse.
But even those similar experiences differ in quality for ADHD brains:
What Are Add And Adhd
Attention problems are among the most common mental health issues in the United States that affect children and adults. People with attention disorders may find it difficult to concentrate, sit still, or complete tasks. Children with ADHD begin life in a world thats not designed for them, requiring calmness, focus, and attention. Children are often challenged by these tasks as they develop, but children with ADHD may struggle even more. However, treatment learning ways to cope with attention problems can help.
Attention deficit disorder was the term used to describe disorders that cause attention problems. But today, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is the official medical term. In some cases, ADD may be used to describe an attention disorder that does not cause significant hyperactivity symptoms. It may seem inaccurate to use ADHD to describe someone who does not appear to have a problem with hyperactivity, but if you receive an official diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , you will be diagnosed with ADHD. However, there are multiple types of ADHD, and learning the type that you or your child has can help you better understand the disorder.
Also Check: How To Calm An Autistic Child