What are Some Signs that I Have Inattentive ADD?

Problems with inattention have, ironically, gotten a lot of attention recently. With many adults working from home right now, some have been able to observe their kids having a hard time staying focused on schoolwork. While other distractions may be in play due to the unusual stressors related to the pandemic, ADD is a developmental disorder (meaning people are born with it), and the symptoms typically become evident during childhood. Unfortunately, unless a child is hyperactive and has behavior issues at school, brain problems related to inattention are often overlooked. Instead, the symptoms may (sadly) be attributed to perceived shortcomings of a child’s mind or personality. As a result, these symptoms—as well as the feelings of inadequacy that come with them—can last into adulthood and can lead to depression, low self-esteem, and anxiety. Unless a child is hyperactive and has behavior issues at school, brain problems related to inattention are often overlooked.

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Inattentive ADD is the 2^nd most common type of ADD and primarily affects women and girls. However, since they tend to be quiet, rather than behaving in ways that make them the center of attention, their ADD symptoms tend to go unnoticed.

Inattentive ADD is Real

Through the groundbreaking brain imaging work at Amen Clinics, one of the discoveries is that ADD is not just a single and simple disorder; there are 7 types of ADD. They are: Type 1: Classic ADD, often known as ADHD Type 2: Inattentive ADD Type 3: Overfocused ADD Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD Type 5: Limbic ADD Type 6: Ring of Fire ADD Type 7: Anxious ADD As children, those with Inattentive ADD likely flew under the radar because they were not inclined to draw attention to themselves, but nonetheless probably struggled to some extent in school. Now as adults, they can be having some similar problems at work and home.

How Many of These Inattentive ADD Symptoms Fit for You?

• Having a short attention span for regular, mundane, or routine tasks such as chores (or schoolwork when you were a kid)
• Getting easily distracted… “Squirrel!!”
• Disorganization—Your closet, office, or hobby area is messy, eliciting complaints from your spouse or housemates
• You’re almost always running late
• Procrastination—The closer the deadline, the more motivated you are to do your work
• Problems with following through on tasks you start, resulting in lots of unfinished projects
• You’re generally NOT hyperactive or impulsive
• A tendency to be forgetful and lose things
• Difficulty with attention to details, often making careless mistakes
• Being easily bored or seeming tired, sluggish, and slow-moving
• Daydreaming or appearing spacey or pre-occupied
• Others seem to think you’re not motivated, or that you simply don’t care

But you do care! Your brain just works differently. If you have several of these symptoms, you may have Inattentive ADD. It’s definitely worth getting a professional evaluation to find out if you do, and to get on a treatment plan that can help you manage the symptoms and behaviors that are troubling you.

Inattentive ADD Brain Function

SPECT brain images show us that the root cause of these symptoms is related to how the brain functions with Inattentive ADD. The images tell us that 3 parts of the brain involved in learning, focus, and motivation tend to be underactive. They are:

• The prefrontal cortex (in the front part of the brain) is like the brain’s CEO and is in charge of executive functions such as focus, concentration, planning, forethought, and so on. Ideally, when we concentrate, blood flow in this part of the brain should increase. This helps us stay attentive to the task at hand. BUT in ADD, blood flow actually decreases during concentration which interferes with the ability to stay focused—so the harder you try, the harder it gets!
• The basal ganglia, located deep inside the brain, produces the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is necessary for movement, motivation, attention span, and setting your body’s idle speed.
• The cerebellum, on the back underside of the brain, is involved with physical, emotional, and thought coordination as well as processing speed.

4 Simple Strategies for a More Focused Brain

If you think you might have Inattentive ADD, there are definitely things you can do to improve your brain’s function. Here are 4 ways to help you increase focus, stay on task, and achieve your goals.

1. Switch to a higher protein, lower carb diet with lots of fresh greens and vegetables to help boost dopamine.
2. Engage in regular exercise to increase blood flow to your brain.
3. Consider dopamine-boosting supplements, such as green tea extract and ginkgo biloba.
4. Try neurofeedback, a non-invasive (and fun) clinical treatment that can retrain your brain waves to improve your focus and concentration.

The symptoms of Inattentive ADD really can get better. However, if you have some of the symptoms listed above now, but did not during childhood, they could be caused by another condition, such as depression, concussion, or cognitive decline related to aging. With the right diagnosis and treatment, these problems can get better too. ADD and other mental health issues can’t wait. During these uncertain times, your mental well-being is more important than ever and waiting until life gets back to “normal” is likely to make your symptoms worsen over time. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.