What Are the Treatments for Inattentive ADD?

Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, was the diagnostic term formerly used to dignosed people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. ADHD can be diagnosed as one of three types-- inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two. People with the inattentive type of ADHD are more likely to go unnoticed and undiagnosed for a longer time because they are generally less disruptive to others. If they do receive a late diagnosis, the disorder may be further progressed, requiring more intense treatment.

Basics

Inattentive ADHD is primarily the form of ADHD that is present in adults with the disorder and is present in many children and adolescents with ADHD. HelpGuide.org reports that the best treatment generally combines changing behaviors, managing symptoms, taking actions and developing strategies to overcome the symptoms.

Symptoms

The treatments for inattentive ADHD will focus on the symptoms of lack of attention to detail, constantly losing important items, forgetfulness, inability to remain focused on one task, poor listening skills, becoming easily distracted and inability to organize.

Considerations

Making changes to a person’s lifestyle may help to reduce the negative effects of inattentive ADHD. Developing routines and taking on tasks that are in line with the individual’s strengths will help to increase the chances that tasks will be accomplished in their entirety and with attention placed on the details. A person with inattentive ADHD should counter the symptoms by posting notes to herself, writing down tasks, referring to a to-do list, dividing larger tasks into smaller ones and having an organizational system for papers in place, reports the MayoClinic.com.

Therapy

According to HelpGuide.org, there are various forms of therapeutic treatments that a person with inattentive ADHD can benefit from. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps a person learn new ways to deal and challenge the symptoms of inattentive ADHD. Behavioral coaching helps a person develop practical solutions to deal with symptoms, such as lack of attention to detail or mismanagement of time. Family therapy helps in dealing with the resentful and unheard feelings of those close to the person with the disorder. And, individual therapy helps the person deal with the resentment and emotional baggage that has resulted from struggles with the ADHD.

Significance

Medication may be a significant resource for some of the treatment process. The use of medication is commonly and effectively used to reduce the symptoms, but will not cure the whole disorder. According to HelpGuide.org, medication may reduce a person’s inattention or inability to concentrate, but cannot be relied upon to reduce disorganization, poor time management or forgetfulness. Treatments with medication should also incorporate the use of psychotherapy. This will allow the person to learn new ways of dealing with her symptoms and reduce the need for medication in the future.