Typically when you hear the term ADHD the Hyperactive-impulsive type comes to mind and the ADHD Inattentive type is left in the shadows. However, Inattentive ADHD can be just as problematic if left unmanaged. Of course, some people have the combined type and experience both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive ADHD.Here are 15 characteristics you could be experiencing if you have inattentive ADHD.
1) Hard for you to focus, yet you can be physically still.
2) Don’t appear to listen to others during conversations,
3) Those close to you complain you forget things they shared with you
4) Disorganized in your physical environment,
5) Find it hard to stay on task from beginning to end, and even harder if the task is boring
6) Make careless errors despite your best intentions.
7) Detailed tasks, for example taxes, are exceptionally challenging and stressful
You find it hard to follow verbal or written instructions9) Often late for or miss appointments
10) Lose important items often, like keys wallets and passports
11) People would describe you as a day dreamer
12) Find it hard to block out noise
13) Experience fatigue
14) You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘Could try harder” a lot a school (even if you were trying +++)
15) Are prone to Procrastination
If this is you, don’t be alarmed. There are things you can do to manage these characteristics.
1) Listen to classical music.
Have you heard of the Mozart effect? Listening to classical music, but particularly Mozart, helps you to focus and complete tasks more effectively. You can do this while you are studying, paying the bills, working on a report or running errands. Aim for 3 hours a day. Playing music also has the added benefit of blocking out other distracting noises.
2) Exercise.
Try to exercise daily. It improves attention and energizes you both in the long term and as a short term fix
3) Organizational tools.
Use organization tools and tricks that work for you. You might , write lists, consider getting and using an agenda, use a timer, etc.
4) Reduce stimulation
Reduce unwanted stimulation in your environment. For example, clutter, noise (point 1 will help with this). By doing this, you will be able to focus more easily on what is important to you.
5) Increase Visibility
Increase the visibility of things that do need your attention. For example at work you can have a white board with your ongoing projects listed, and brightly color-coded folders in sight.
When you employ these techniques (and any others that you have found work for you personally) you will notice a big difference in how you function in the world and feel about yourself.
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My son has ADHD and he fits your 15 items and I am going nuts trying to help him and he is 21 years old.