Attention Deficit Disorder: The Inattentive side of ADHD

Having difficulty concentrating? Feeling unmotivated? Is procrastination a part of your daily life? You may have ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder.

Over the past year, I have been noticing a decline in my ability to concentrate on tasks. I forget things easily which really bothers me. Classic example: I walked to the grocery store and when I got inside, I could not remember why I had to be there in the first place.  Another noticeable change was my inability to focus on tasks. I easily get distracted and "drift away" from the work I am doing. Similar to "spacing-out." 

I have often dismissed these symptoms as signs of aging. After all, I am 61 years old. I also have Type 2 Diabetes which could be a factor in having low energy levels. To top it all, I also suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, so adding up all my health issues could be the cause of my inability to concentrate.

However, I came across an article about the Inattentive type of ADHD. It caught my attention and researched more and more about it. In an article I found in Cleveland Clinic's website, it said that:

"Inattentive ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a common type of ADHD that targets your focus and organization, but you may have few or no symptoms of hyperactivity. It affects both children and adults."

I read about the symptoms and there I found some answers. The article listed the following as symptoms: 

Having difficulty or trouble with the following:

• Paying attention to the details and/or making frequent mistakes while doing tasks.
• Staying focused on long-winded tasks (like reading, listening to a presentation, etc.).
• Listening to others.
• Following through on tasks or obligations. You can easily lose focus in the middle of a task.
• Managing time and meeting deadlines.
• Performing tasks that need significant brain power, like filling out forms or writing reports.
• Keeping track of common items needed to complete everyday tasks (pencil, wallet, keys, phone, etc.).
• Staying in the moment without distractions.
• Remembering to complete routine tasks (chores, errands, appointments, etc.).

I have also learned that ADD in adults may have been present in their childhood years but was not diagnosed, as the symptoms may have been tagged as "just being lazy." 

Is this genetic? Could be.

Are there treatments available? YES.

After all the readings I did about ADD, I fee that might be what I have. Well, of course, a doctor would be the only one to confirm, so I am going to have to ask for an appointment with my neuro-psychiatrist. 

Updates soon. Probably after the New Year. You know at this time, doctors also deserve a vacation and quality time with their own families. :)