How to Kick Predominantly Inattentive ADHD in the But!

How to kick predominantly inattentive ADHD in the but and then some. Predominantly inattentive ADHD is a hard diagnosis to live with. Your thoughts are scattered all over the place. It’s hard to concentrate on one thing. Not that I take pleasure in it, I observe my roommate going up and down the steps to get ready for work (which she is constantly late for).

She must go up and down the steps at least ten times in one minute. So, she is always rushing to get ready. She does her make-up in one of the bedrooms, because it has a big mirror. She keeps going back to the room as though she forgot to do something (I’m assuming).

Inattentive ADHD is a type of ADHD that’s all about inattention. Unlike the hyperactive-impulsive type, it shows up as trouble focusing, following instructions, staying organized, or finishing tasks. People with this type might seem forgetful, get distracted easily, or lose things often. It’s more common in adults and can be harder to spot, since it doesn’t come with the obvious hyperactive behaviors.

ADHD Symptoms

Time Management

How to kick predominantly inattentive ADHD in the but with knowledge of the symptoms. ADHD sufferers have no concept of time. They lose track of time and struggle with planning and organizing their schedules. This can lead to missed appointments, forgotten deadlines, and an overall chaotic lifestyle.

While many people experience occasional forgetfulness or disorganization, it is a constant struggle for those with ADHD. Their brains are wired differently, making it difficult for them to prioritize tasks and follow through on plans. This can create a lot of stress and frustration in their daily lives.

One helpful tool for managing time and staying organized for individuals with ADHD is a planner or scheduling system. This can provide a visual representation of their tasks and responsibilities, helping them stay on track and remember important deadlines.

Another useful strategy is to break down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This can prevent overwhelm and make it easier for individuals with ADHD to focus on one task at a time.

Learning Difficulties

Individuals with Inattentive ADHD often face several learning difficulties, including:

Poor Organizational Skills: Keeping track of assignments, deadlines, and materials can be challenging, leading to missed deadlines and incomplete work.
Forgetfulness: Forgetting to complete tasks, bring necessary materials, or follow through on instructions is common.
Difficulty Following Instructions: They may have trouble understanding or remembering multi-step instructions, which can affect their ability to complete tasks accurately.
Easily Distracted: External stimuli or internal thoughts can easily divert their attention away from the task at hand. This can lead to decreased productivity and difficulty focusing on important tasks.

ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Treatment

ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Medication

For ADHD, predominantly inattentive type, several types of medications are commonly used to help manage symptoms. These medications generally fall into two categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.

Stimulants: These are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD and they work well for many people. They boost certain neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to improve attention and focus. Some examples of stimulant medications include:
- Methylphenidate (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta)
- Amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse)
Non-Stimulants: These are a good option if stimulants don’t work well, cause side effects, or if someone prefers to avoid them. Non-stimulants can also help with focus and attention. Some common non-stimulant medications include:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv)
- Clonidine (Kapvay)

The choice of medication and dosage is highly individualized, often requiring some trial and error under the guidance of a healthcare provider to find the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects.

Behavioral Therapy

How to kick predominantly inattentive ADHD in the but with CBT. Behavioral therapy can be highly effective for managing symptoms of inattentive ADHD. Here are some common approaches:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy helps individuals develop skills to manage their symptoms by changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It focuses on improving time management, organizational skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Behavioral Parent Training: This involves training parents to use specific strategies to help their children manage ADHD symptoms. Techniques include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and consistent consequences for behavior.
Organizational Skills Training: This therapy focuses on teaching individuals how to organize tasks, manage time effectively, and use tools like planners and reminders to keep track of responsibilities.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Mindfulness practices can help improve attention and reduce stress by teaching individuals to focus on the present moment and develop greater self-awareness.

ADHD strategies

Food Changes

Food Additives:

So, Food additives and the connection with ADHD have been the subject of study since the 1970s. Food additives include artificial preservatives, flavors and coloring, and other chemically-derived non-food substances that manufacturers contribute to the development of processed foods.

Some food additives that you can eliminate to improve ADHD include food dyes Red 40, Yellow 5, Yellow 6 (these account for 90% of food dyes used), artificial flavors like vanillin, and artificial preservatives BHA, BHT and HBHQ.

Foods and Diet

Focusing more on nutrient-dense foods and complex carbohydrates and eliminating added sugars and artificial ingredients will help overall health, but will also improve your ADHD symptoms. Lean proteins are especially helpful with ADHD. In fact, this diet is particularly helpful for mental health in general, including ADHD.

Herbs and Supplements

Iron, zinc and poly unsaturated fatty acids

How to kick predominantly inattentive ADHD in the but with herbal supplements. People with ADHD sometimes have low levels of iron, zinc, and polyunsaturated fatty acids like Omega-3s. Research shows that taking supplements for iron, zinc, and Omega-3/6 can help improve symptoms and have positive effects for those with ADHD. You can check out one of the studies here.

Golden Root/Arctic Root (Rhodiola Rosea)

This plant-based supplement is known to support focus, memory, and cognitive function. It’s one of the most well-studied herbs in traditional medicine and seems to boost dopamine and norepinephrine, which are often low in people with ADHD. Plus, it helps calm stress responses.

Ginkgo Biloba

Lauded for decades as an effective, natural ADHD supplement, ginkgo biloba lives up to its name, offering increased attention span, memory, intelligence, processing speed and executive functioning levels. It’s another herb thought to increase dopamine.

Under your doctor’s supervision, Ginkgo Biloba may help people who are overly sensitive to stimulants or treat residual symptoms that other treatments aren’t reaching. They are not recommended to anyone taking anticoagulants or having an upcoming surgery.

Melatonin

When ADHD impacts sleep, it makes everything worse. This can turn into a cyclical issue of sleep deprivation in which daytime focus issues worsen, exhaustion and fatigue make cognitive abilities worse and stress rises. Melatonin can help with sleep issues which may help reduce some of the cognitive issues during the day.

Remember This About Supplements…

If you’re thinking about trying supplements or making lifestyle changes to help with ADHD symptoms, it’s important to check in with your doctor first to make sure they’re safe for you. Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s completely risk-free—natural ADHD remedies can still cause side effects or interact with medications and even certain foods.

Natural Practices that Help

Increase physical activity

How to kick predominantly inattentive ADHD in the but by moving around more. It can be as simple as getting 20 minutes of exercise a day. Sitting around too much can make our bodies weaker and our minds less focused. Exercise boosts dopamine and serotonin levels, working in a way that’s similar to Ritalin for people with ADHD.

Mindfulness practices

Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices are a simple and natural way to help manage ADHD symptoms. They’ve been shown to really benefit people with ADHD by reducing symptoms, boosting focus, and improving overall well-being.

Mindfulness can be really helpful for ADHD (and anxiety, depression, and so on) but it also tends to be a lot harder for us for obvious reasons. Here’s how to practice mindfulness if you have ADHD and just can’t.

Neurofeedback

How to kick predominantly inattentive ADHD in the but with neurofeedback. Using neurofeedback for ADHD is fascinating. It works by using EEG or HEG data, shown on a monitor in real time, to help people practice ways to manage their inner experiences. Think of it like a video game powered by your own mind. How cool is that? Neurofeedback can help you achieve a state that’s both relaxed and focused.

ADHD Support

Support for individuals with ADHD can come in various forms, addressing different aspects of life and helping to manage symptoms effectively. Here are some common types of support:

Educational Support: Schools may offer accommodations like extended time on tests, preferential seating, or individualized education plans (IEPs) to help students with ADHD succeed academically.
Parental Support: Training programs for parents can provide strategies to manage their child’s behavior and support their development effectively.
Peer Support Groups: These groups offer a platform for individuals with ADHD and their families to share experiences, advice, and encouragement.
Coaching: ADHD coaches can help individuals set goals, develop time management skills, and create strategies to overcome daily challenges.
Online Resources and Communities: Websites, forums, and social media groups offer information, resources, and a sense of community for those affected by ADHD, such as :
- CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): CHADD is a leading nonprofit organization providing education, advocacy, and support for individuals with ADHD. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including articles, webinars, and support group information.
- ADDitude Magazine: This site provides practical advice, expert insights, and personal stories about living with ADHD. It covers a wide range of topics, from treatment options to parenting tips and lifestyle strategies.
- ADHD Foundation: The ADHD Foundation offers resources and support for individuals with ADHD, including information on symptoms, diagnosis, and management strategies. They also provide training and workshops.
- Understood.org: While not exclusively focused on ADHD, Understood.org offers resources for parents and educators to support children with learning and attention issues, including ADHD.
- The National Resource Center on ADHD: A program of CHADD, this site provides science-based information about ADHD, including treatment options, research updates, and educational materials.

These supports can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individuals with ADHD, helping them to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Sum It All Up

How to kick predominantly inattentive ADHD in the but. I put the natural supplements in this post, because I have had a good reaction to the ones I’m taking for insomnia and schizo. You must always consult with your doctor first, before starting them, because there can be interactions between them and your meds.

As for my roommate, she doesn’t want to acknowledge that anything is wrong. She always has “bad luck.” With everything? Gimme a break! But, she is familiar with it. So, that is how her life will be the rest of her life, unless she changes something. It’s easy to get caught up in our daily routines and become comfortable with the way things are. However, sometimes it takes a wake-up call to realize that change is necessary for growth and improvement.

In this case, my roommate may be experiencing some challenges in her life but instead of addressing them head on, she chooses to brush them off as “bad luck.” While it may be easier to stick with what we know, it’s important to recognize when something isn’t working and make the effort to change it. Peace and always love. Until next time…