What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), inattentive type, in adults?

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), inattentive type, in adults?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder that makes it difficult to pay attention, control impulsivity (taking action before fully thinking things through) or manage excitable behavior (the person is squirming/fidgeting or “hyperactive”). The disorder interferes with the quality of life by intruding on day-to-day functioning.

Three different types of ADHD have been identified based on criteria from the American Psychiatric Association. These are:

• Predominantly inattentive presentation.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation.
• Combined presentation (inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present).

Adults who have significant problems with inattention, but exhibit few or no symptoms of hyperactivity, are said to have the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD. People with this type of ADHD have trouble paying attention to details, are easily distracted, often have trouble organizing or finishing tasks and often forget routine chores (such as paying bills on time or returning phone calls).