Don't know if this will come out right but I tried to paste from a thread that you can find in the section for General ADD Help, page 4 titled "Inattentive Type ADD" originally posted by luvmyadhdgrandkid and last posting on Oct. 2, 2008. If I understand this correctly you might be able to locate it at

www.additudemag.com/adheforums/member/13078.html OR

www.additudemag.com/adhdforums/thread/4338.html

I am not computer saavy so keep that in mind.

Thread : Inattentive Type ADD

14 Sep 2008 @ 11:31 AM luvmyadhdgrandkid Join Date: Wed 19th Dec 2007 Threads: Posts: Inattentive Type ADD I was just reading the article in the Fall 2008 ADDitude Magazine entitled "When Moms Have ADD, Too!" and in it is says something about "inattentive type ADD". Can anyone tell me what that is? (other than just what it sounds like) Can you give me some examples and if you have it, tell me what you have experience or how you have overcome?

Thanks.

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Last edited by Anni : 16 Sep 2008 @ 10:40 AM. Reason:

15 Sep 2008 @ 8:19 AM Reply # 1 Elaine20 Join Date: Sat 10th Nov 2007 Threads: 4 Posts: 216 Inattentive ADD

Hi,

It's good to hear that your grandchild has a loving and supportive grandparent. Children with ADHD (any type) need all the love and support they can get.

My 26 yr. old daughter, 16 yr. old son and myself all have the inattentive type of ADHD. My husband has the "classic" ADHD with the hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Generally, the inattentive type do not have the hyperactivity and impulsivity of the "classic" ADHD. They still have problems paying attention, doing complex tasks (esp. school "projects"), procrastination, disorganization, etc. They are also less likely to have behavioral problems in school or to have conduct disorder, but they are more prone to having anxiety issues.

Others may find it hard to believe this individual has ADHD because they do not "act out" and are usually more quiet and reserved. They may appear to have low energy and motivation and can have great difficulty getting up in the morning. They generally get along better with peers, although some may be excessively shy or anxious. They tend to be more self-concious whereas the hyperactive type are not aware of how their behavior is perceived by others.

A significant portion, but not all, of the inattentive type may daydream a lot in class, appear to be in a daze or confused at times, be more sluggish and slower to respond. They are apt to have more problems with working memory and a slower mental processing speed. That is not to say that they are less intelligent. My neighbor has an IQ of 180 but he has a lot of these qualities and can appear to be in a daze and confused.

I was only recently diagnosed with inattentive ADHD because I had compensated pretty well by making and using lists, worrying a lot which helped me focus (my ADHD became more apparent when I had my anxiety treated!) and having a higher IQ.

What made the most difference for me was taking medication and understanding ADHD and how it affected me. I hated writing papers in school and college. I never knew what to write about, had a difficult time knowing how to begin and what to write about, etc. I performed better with specific instructions. If someone explained to me how to do something that involved several steps, I had to write it down or I would not remember it all. On medication, I found I didn't have to do that anymore. I could understand and remember it all so much easier. My thoughts were more organized and I could comprehend what I read without having to reread it several times. It was so much easier to write and express my thoughts.

I also felt more self-confident when I started medication because I clearly understood what someone was telling me. It used to take me longer to process what was being said and I felt stupid at times even though I knew I wasn't.

When my son started taking medication I noticed a huge difference. He would do what I asked the first time, sometimes even before I asked!! Before being on medication, I would repeatedly remind him to do something numerous times and still he would forget. He would complete school projects without any assistance from me. Prior to medication, I had to help him every step of the way and it was such a struggle for him to do a project or paper.

For organization, color can be extremely helpful. For example, use different color notebooks and binders for each subject. Use a red binder and notebook for math and cover your mathbook in a red book cover. Use green for science, blue for reading, etc. Eventually your mind automatically associates red with math so if you have math homework to do, you know to bring home the red book, binder and notebook.

If you have more than one child using the same bathroom, assign each one a different color. One child might have a blue towel, a blue toothbrush, blue hairbrush, etc. and the other child has green. When each child denies leaving a towel on the floor, you now know whose it is.

I've learned a lot through reading and attending support groups. Go to www.CHADD.org and find a support group in your area. you do not have to join CHADD in order to attend a support group.

Good luck, Elaine

Edit - Quote 15 Sep 2008 @ 11:21 AM Reply # 2 happy37 Join Date: Tue 29th Jul 2008 Threads: 3 Posts: 6 Inattentive ADD

Elaine20, I just read your comment concerning inattentive ADD. I was just recently diagnosed and have been doing quite abit of research concerning the diagnosis. Because ADHD is so often thought of or related to hyperactivity, I have had a difficult time discussing this with my husband. He refuses to believe I have ADD because I am not hyperactive. I was somewhat relieved to finally have a diagnosis and yet there are times, when I begin to have (that well-known) self-doubt because of his comments. I am a carbon copy of your description of the inattentive ADHDer. Thank you.. There is such a lack of public knowledge concerning ADHD, not to mention the preconceived stereotypes. Having a support system is invaluable.

Elaine

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sizeofakiss said: Hello,

http://www.additudemag.com/adhdforums/thread/3396.html

This peaked my interest because I feel exactly this way. An example that illustrates this well is when I am in a car. I can be in a car ride for anywhere between 10 minutes to 5 hours and have no idea where or which way I am going. I have lived in the same town my whole life, and when I got my license I wasn't even able to drive to my own school because I didn't know the directions.

I guess I am just wondering if anyone else has experienced these things and has been successfully treated with ADHD for these symptoms. I know that stimulants prescribed for ADHD are abused by college students, and I don't even know if I would be able to take them because I have pretty high blood pressure. I am also wondering what I should say to my doctor regarding these symptoms or if I should bring this particular disorder up, along with the general anxiety and depression suggestions from WebMD.

Thanks!

The comment about the car ride and not knowing where you are going or which way, etc., is TOTALLY ME! I can be a passenger in a car and have gone to someplace numerous times and I wouldn't be able to tell you how to get there or get there on my own. If I had to go into a doctor's office or another building that required me to make several turns, I could not find my way back. Pretty embarassing when you can't find your way from the doctor's examining room back to the waiting are without getting confused!

In addition to the inattentive ADHD, I have the subtype (not officially declared as a subtype nor can you find a lot of info on it) SCT symptoms (sluggish cognitive tempo) which include being underaroused and not totally alert, poor working memory, slower mental processing (not related to IQ as my IQ is above gifted), daydreams a lot, etc. A good article on the inattentive type of ADHD and how it compares to the more widely known hyperactive/impulsive type can be found at: www.devcogneuro.com/Publications/ADD.pdf

You can also google "sluggish cognitive tempo" and find out more about those particular symptoms. About 30-50% of those with the inattentive ADHD have the SCT symptoms.

My daughter, son and I all have the inattentive ADHD and take Vyvanse for it. It is a stimulant, similar to Adderall XR. I take 140 mg. of Vyvanse and my daughter takes 100 mg. My daughter is 27 and my son is 17. My husband also has ADHD but he has the hyperactive/impulsive type and he takes Adderall XR. Generally those with the inattentive type fare better with either Adderall, Dexedrine, or Vyvanse although they may do fine on the methylphenidate meds like Ritalin, Focalin and Concerta.

If at all possible, it is best to find a doctor who is knowledgeable and experienced in treating ADHD in adults. Some general practitioners or family doctors are experienced with it and some aren't. Generally, psychiatrists are better acquainted with ADHD but even that is not always the case. If you can get a good doctor recommendation that would be helpful. You can also go to www.CHADD.org to find a support group in your area, where you may find others with ADHD who can provide some recommendations.

Good luck. If I can answer any other questions, just send me a message or you may email me at elaine5687@comcast.net

Elaine

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Thank you two for your information. I'll definitely be looking into all of the links you provided me. I was talking with my mom about the specific car scenario, which I could definitely apply to other instances in my life, and she was reminiscing to me about how irritated she would be because I would have to ask her for directions all the time. My dad even ended up getting me a map of my city (which isn't very big and all the streets are pretty grid-like, no diagonals). The last time I was in the doctor's office he had a pamphlet for Vyvanse out, so I am thinking I might be able to bring that into his office as sort of an ice-breaker, instead of bursting in and saying "I THINK I HAVE INATTENTIVE ADHD."

Again, I really appreciate your responses. The most difficult thing about dealing with my symptoms is that I am always sooo tired in the morning. As I said, I had my thyroid checked, work out, take iron supplements, eat well, and no matter how much I sleep I still end up tired. Every day I have to be at class early in the morning and I am either too exhausted to get up in the morning or I go and don't understand anything that is said to me when I am in class. I am trying to get into graduate school and it is just becoming too much, especially with the early class times and work. I know that I am definitely smart enough to succeed, but these symptoms seem to be standing in my way. Have either of you personally taken or heard of anything that works quickly? I read that Vyvanse takes time to get through your system, so I don't know if from the time I woke up to the time I get to class if it would be in effect.

Thanks again!

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I was diagnosed with inattentive type ADD a few months ago, at age 31. All my life I have felt like I was always so tired, unable to do all the things other people do, lacking any ambition. All this was wrapped up with some depression and a lot of anxiety as well. I definitely recommend seeing a therapist about it. The diagnosis helped me put many things in perspective and while I still struggle and have a lot of work ahead of me, I spend less time feeling worthless and wondering why I have no motivation or ambition.

I really relate to what you said. I also did okay in school because I was a quick learner and was eager to learn, and able to communicate. But I didn't do as well as I could have done because of problems procrastinating and trouble with learning how to study. There were a lot of things I just got. I did well on tests, and very well on standardized tests because of this. But I didn't have any conscious process for learning things I didn't get. From what I've read, this seems to me to have to do with ADD. I see a big picture, but have trouble breaking it down into smaller pieces. I have trouble thinking through the process of things, I just want to get to the end point already! And thinking through all the small things takes so long, I am easily distracted by something else in the meantime.

You are not alone! Good luck.

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I tended to be tired a lot as well. A regular schedule of walking helped me in the past, before I knew I had ADHD. But working and having a family doesn't always allow you much free time to maintain a regular schedule.

I used to love Sunday afternoons because I looked forward to a long afternoon nap whenever I could. It also didn;t matter what time I went to bed or how much sleep I got. I was still tired most of the time.

Once I started the Vyvanse I noticed that I didn't get tired during the day anymore. I hadn't taken any afternoon naps nor did I miss them or even have the desire to. I was busy doing other things. The full impact really hit me the one day that I forgot to take my medication and was away from home. I felt incredibly sleepy again.

I can accomplish more now since I'm not so tired and dragging.

If the vyvanse doesn't work quick enough for you, you can usually supplement with a small dose of short acting Adderall. When my son was taking Concerta, it took too long for it to kick in and he had great difficulty getting up in the morning. The doctor had me wake him up a half hour earlier and give him some short acting Focalin and let him go back to sleep so it would take effect by the time he was supposed to get up. He then took his Concerta as usual.

At the same time, medication can effect everyone differently as some people metablolize medication quicker or slower than others.

Elaine

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Elaine20 said:

The comment about the car ride and not knowing where you are going or which way, etc., is TOTALLY ME! I can be a passenger in a car and have gone to someplace numerous times and I wouldn't be able to tell you how to get there or get there on my own. If I had to go into a doctor's office or another building that required me to make several turns, I could not find my way back. Pretty embarassing when you can't find your way from the doctor's examining room back to the waiting are without getting confused!

No wonder I stink at directions

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My gosh, sizeofakiss: You are not alone. Here's my story. ADD/ADHD/inattentive all that stuff was totally not known for adults back when I was in college. High school was so easy - second in my class, honors, all the right stuff. TOTALLY bombed at college. I had no structure. No motivation. No ambition. Headaches all the time. Sleeping all the time. My parents thought I was lazy or on drugs or something. I thought I was nuts. Really. I just couldn't make myself get up and go to class. And I tried. I really did. I would put a glass of water on my nightstand with a Vivarin (like No-Doz) so that I could take it first thing. I bought the loudest alarm clock I could find. I told my friends to "fine" me when I didn't go to class. NOTHING WORKED. I was always tired and overwhelmed and miserable. I KNEW I could do better. I could picture it. Sometimes I did if the class was interesting enough to me. But I couldn't ever do the class thing consistently. After 5 years, 10 different majors (yes, really), getting everything from A's to F's in one semester, I finally dropped out of school. I had over 120 hours of classes but just couldn't go on anymore. I was so depressed I thought I should probably WANT to kill myself I felt like such a loser, but I was basically a very practical person and realized there were still a lot of fun things out there to do even if I couldn't get my degree. So I went to work full time. Realized making money was FUN for me. Couldn't make much though. Because I DIDN'T HAVE A DEGREE. ;-\

15 years later, I figured things out - how to work my system. ADD, ADHD, whatever the hell, you just have to figure out what works for you. I went back to school & got my bachelor's with straight A's (that's symptomatic of this type of condition, you can get hyperfocused and obsessive once you find something that motivates you - like EMAIL). Anyway, I scheduled no classes in the morning because no matter how much I wanted to get my degree, I could not structure myself to get up and go to something that I wasn't getting paid for. It worked. I went to school in the afternoon & evening, worked overnight shift.

I'm in the right job - a job that keeps me moving from topic to topic; problemsolving; finishing quick projects a lot of times. Other things never got better though. Big projects. ... I just don't do them. Can't talk myself into starting them no way no how until there is something earthshattering where I have to do it or get in big trouble some how. Right now, I'm supposed to be writing a proposal for a training job. Obviously that's going well. My boss will come ask for it in a few mintues and I'll crank it out for the 30 minutes after I'm supposed to go home for the day.

Hang in there, s.o.a.k. and figure out what motivates you. Figure out how you get things done. It's not even a question whether you are inclined in an ADD direction - it's just a question of how you are going to deal with it.

Oh, BTW, medications didn't work for me - tried everything. My fix is all behavioural except for the Prozac that I will always be on because I still feel in my heart that I'm a f$#@(-up a lot of times. But I'm not really.

Good luck, s.o.a.k. If you want to chat, drop me a line in private messages.

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sizeofakiss said: Hello,

I'm writing here just looking for information about the Inattentive subtype of ADHD and if anyone else experiences these problems, of maybe I am just an unmotivated college student. For a long time in my life I have felt very low in energy. This has caused me some problems in school and social life, but I feel like I am pretty intelligent and have been able to get by pretty well on that alone. The past summer I was put on prozac for anxiety problems, which I believe is caused because of ambivalence for things that I want to do, but lack the motivation and energy to get done. While on the prozac I had to get up at about 7:30 in the morning which is when I took the medication, but I didn't actually feel awake at all until around noon.

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Hi,

I would like to point out the misconceptions of what people commonly assume "hyperactivity" is about. I am also primarily inattentive and have all the problems associated with it, low energy, lack of motivation, day dreamer, always tired, etc.. BUT I have a VERY hyperactive (racing) mind, I talk far too much ('hyperactive' mouth) and though I don't race around and am a couch potato, I'm constantly restless and fidget with my hands, feet, toes, tongue, etc.., which I believed is called "rump hyperactivity". Hyperactivity is not just attributed to physical movement or 'acting out' as suggested below.

Cheers, Michele Quote:

Elaine20 said:

My 26 yr. old daughter, 16 yr. old son and myself all have the inattentive type of ADHD. My husband has the "classic" ADHD with the hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

Generally, the inattentive type do not have the hyperactivity and impulsivity of the "classic" ADHD. They still have problems paying attention, doing complex tasks (esp. school "projects"), procrastination, disorganization, etc. They are also less likely to have behavioral problems in school or to have conduct disorder, but they are more prone to having anxiety issues.

Others may find it hard to believe this individual has ADHD because they do not "act out" and are usually more quiet and reserved. They may appear to have low energy and motivation and can have great difficulty getting up in the morning. They generally get along better with peers, although some may be excessively shy or anxious. They tend to be more self-concious whereas the hyperactive type are not aware of how their behavior is perceived by others.

A significant portion, but not all, of the inattentive type may daydream a lot in class, appear to be in a daze or confused at times, be more sluggish and slower to respond. They are apt to have more problems with working memory and a slower mental processing speed. That is not to say that they are less intelligent. My neighbor has an IQ of 180 but he has a lot of these qualities and can appear to be in a daze and confused.

Elaine

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I relate so well to what everyone is saying. I never realized my low energy could be related to my ADD. I thought it was depression, for which I am also being treated. I have a terrible time getting up in the mornings no matter when I go to bed and I function better at night. But so often I just don't seem to have the motivation for things until I can force myself to get started, which is a problem as well. I've been wondering if the medication is working or if I'm just expecting too much from it. I have an appointment coming up with my psychiatrist to monitor my meds; will have to ask her about Vivance since so many of you suggest it helps. But has anyone else wondered if their motivation stemmed from ADD or depression?

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I also fit into the Inattentive category. I try to explain ADD to people around me that don't have it. I tell them that ADD people live "multi-linear lives". "WHAT???". Then I go on to explain. Think of a life like a railroad track....the train slows down or stops and your experience slows down or stops. ADD People don't live like that. Their life and experience is like several train tracks. The train that they are on slows down or stops, they jump to the next train. That one isn't fast enough or interesting enough, they jump to another train. When the oringinal train starts up again (becomes interesting) they jump back on it and continue as if it never stopped at all. Funny thing is that ADD ususally ride on more than one train at a time. If 3 conversations are going on in a room , they are listening to all 3 conversations at the same time (wheather they want to or not). They are proccessing all 3 conversations, plus other distractions in the room, so their reply time is slower. Have you ever tried running 3 programs at the same time on your computer? It slows down dosen't it? The ADD brain proccessing too much at the same time and has a delay in responding. It's like a computer running one program at a time (regular person) getting perturbed at the computer running 3 programs (ADD) because it's slow to respond to their question. Regular people (and many ADD people), since their thought processes are different, have never realized that the ADD brain is proccessing much more infomation than the non-ADD brain. Put 2 people into a room and/or situation and question them afterwards. The ADD person can answer just as many questions about the situation, PLUS questions about the lighting, constuction, decor, errors, etc of the room itself.that the regular person never even thought about. The ADD brain is extracting much more information from a situation and/or place. THAT is the reason for slow response times in answering and replying to questions.

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I have ADHD and I have to make myself slow down. However, my step daughter has ADD inattentive type and she seems to need a fire under her butt to do anything. She is 9 years old and acts like a "dumb blond". I had her IQ tested to make certain she was "all their" and she has an high IQ. For instance,she has been doing the same morning routine for 2 years and she should be able to complete it without even thinking;however, she has to be reminded to do certain things anyway. I even have a list she is to read to remind her but she forgets to read the list. I am reading a book called :Brigh Minds,Poor Grades-Understanding and Motivating Your Underachieving Child and it seems to discribe her very well. I have to same question as the college student, is it ADD,underachievment,anxiety or all the above? I am concerned about her going into middle school and concerned about her in general due to her being so "blond". We go to councling etc. but nothing seems to change.To all the inattentive ADD adults, please tell me what helps you function as an adult? Did you have to become aware that something wasn't exactly right and you seemed to day dream often or have difficulty with motivation? Truly concerned

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I'm so glad this thread was highlighted by the website. I have been struggling with this very issue for awhile and had never heard of Inattentive ADHD although I am being treated for ADD for a few years. I have been frustrated with my inability to maintain interest in various aspects of my life and constantly jumping from one thing to another. On one hand I have alot of different types of experiences under my belt but on the other I've never been able to get really good or knowledgeable about anything. I have held many jobs in my work life. I would start out each new job like gangbusters but after some years I would find myself getting bored and unmotivated. I would then leave and find something totally different to do. I was starting to feel this lack of motivation was a character flaw that I was just going to have to live with. I've just finished getting my teaching certification because I thought maybe that teaching would allow me the opportunity to be more creative and allow me to share my favorite subject. However, after I completed my certification I found myself unmotivated to get job hunting. I think partly due to my fear of repeating my past work experience and not wanting to disappoint a whole bunch of kids in the process. One thing I can offer is my long experience in dealing with doctors and medication. I have been treated for depression for 25 years, later it was determined I have bipolar lite (type I) and then ADD. I have also at times have suffered from severe anxiety. I suggest finding a very good psychiatrist who really understands drugs and interactions. I discovered I am very visually oriented and found that using colors to organize things to be very helpful. When I was in school each of my notebooks had different colored covers. I would do my daily lesson plans in different colors so I could easily see where one began and one ended in my notebook. I also have found yoga particularly helpful to calm my mind. It is the one thing that I've continued to study for over 15 years. I'm not an expert but I have found going to class regularly just gets my brain to focus on other parts of my body and not on outside distractions.

Thank you to all for sharing their experiences with this topic. I'll be checking out the info you all have suggested.

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Has anybody come up with any good solutions to the "no energy / no motivation" problem? The medication helps with focus, clarity, and control, but does little to address the "apathy" problems we all seem to struggle with. It often gives a slight "boost" to one's energy level but that boost feels artificial and comes with the unwanted side effects such as racing/pounding heart, dizziness, tight chest, and the subsequent crash afterwards. Forcing my blood to pump harder is not exactly the "energy" I was looking for. I (and I know I'm not alone here) am not looking for a high. I just want to experience the same level of "life" that everybody else seems to enjoy. I want to "want to" participate in my life, but I can't, and that is really frustrating.

I think it is difficult to treat this side of ADD because it is difficult to define. Where does energy come from? Does it come from your brain? Your heart? Your soul?

If you go to a psychiatrist with these sypmtoms, she immediately slaps the label "depression" on your chart and writes you out a prescription for prozac or wellbutrin. (I tried wellbutrin and thought I was going to kill myself. It MADE me depressed! That was the worst medicine I have ever taken!) If you go to a physician, they will run blood tests to check your thyroid, blood sugar, and iron. The tests always come up negative and they send you on your way as if to say "You are healthy. Problelem solved!" They may even tell you that you should get on a daily exercise schedule. (Did you not mention that you can barely drag yourself out of bed in the morning as it is???)

But you still struggle to wake up in the morning. Drag yourself out of bed. Force yourself to get ready and get on with the day. You go to school or work as usual and attempt to live a normal life, even though you really can see no reason to continue doing whatever it is you are doing. You drag yourself home and try to find a way to engage your mind the only way you know how (TV, computer, knitting, etc.) Then you go to bed and hope you can get a good night's sleep just this once so you can wake up feeling better the next day. It never happens.

Yes, on the outside this does appear to be clinical depression. But it is the LACK OF ENERGY AND MOTIVATION that CAUSES the sadness and hopelessnes, not the other way around. It's difficult to convince a doctor of that, though. That's not what they have been taught. They think if you drug somebody up and create some sort of artificial "happiness" (or at least dull the pain so you don't feel the "bad" emotions at all) then your energy and motivation will return.

Has this EVER worked for any of you? Because it doesn't work for me. I think that is because they are not looking at the root of the problem. They are trying to cure root-rot by chopping off the limbs of the tree.

I guess my question is "Has anybody actually figured out how to wake up in the morning well-rested and eager to start the day?" Have any of you tried alternative treatments? Hynosis? Past-life regression? Acupuncture? I'm willing to try anything! What works???

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I was 50 when I was diagnosed with ADD. I've never heard of the "inattentive type", but now that you have enlightened me and I've read the criteria, I don't need a doctor's confirmation. I have spent a lifetime struggling with the symptoms of ADD and knowing that I was "defective". Now I am finally learning to accept my limitations and celebrate and capitalize on my strengths. There is no denying that ADD is a burden, but it is also a wondrous adventure. I just want to make a few points that have helped me. 1. Stop trying to "figure it out". Your not just a little intelligent, you are highly intelligent. You will drive yourself crazy. Find a psychiatrist who specializes in ADD. There'll be plenty of time for research after you have a diagnosis. 2. If the diagnosis is Adult ADD, get Edward Hallowell's book, "Driven to Distraction". Just reading the 20 criteria for Adult ADD will be highly enlightening and entertaining. This book has a wealth of useful information and it helped me develop a sense of humor about some of my behavior. The story about the "cough drop sign" is priceless. 3. Practice observing your behavior without judgment. You have plenty of people judging you. They will keep you informed on what's wrong with you. So much can be learned by just observing those nasty behaviors that drive you crazy. Example: I was 54 yrs old before I noticed that the place I left the thing I lost was where I needed the hand it was in. (It still took me 3 days to find the TV remote control in the freezer, but now it's tethered to my coffee table.) 4. Pay attention to your strengths as well as your weaknesses. You mentioned that you were unmotivated, but you forgot to mention that you are also highly motivated at times. Did you not notice that, or did it just not seem important? ADD brings with it some very wonderful qualities like major creativity, excellent intuition, resiliency, tenacity. Need I go on? 5. Oh, and don't expect too much of yourself in the morning. Your best work will probably be done after everyone else is in bed. 6. Sometimes ADD can be like an "E" ride at Disneyland. Just try to enjoy the ride!

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This must be so frustrating to both of you. I am sure that she'd like to get you off her case just as much as you'd like the morning routine to go smoothly. What a great mom to look for solutions other than nagging or punishment!

I have inattentive ADD myself and years of experience coping. I also have years of experience working with children and adults who learn differently and who process information differently. Sounds like you have tried to be creative in giving her some help. That is a really positive and caring approach.

Have you considered that the things you've tried are the things that would probably work for you and that her lack of cooperation may be a sign that the same approach won't work for her? Do you know how she learns best? That is a good indication of where her strengths are. If she isn't a visual learner, lists probably won't be the best thing for her. She'll forget to look at them just as I forget to look at my calendar. They won't give her a push in the right direction. Is there another way to give her the same information. For example, instead of a list, how about a basket that has everything she needs to get ready or cues to what needs to happen. As she finishes each task, it comes out of the basket. When the basket is empty, she is ready to go. It would be easy to add some kind of "reward" from time to time (like a "don't make your bed today card" for example).

Or perhaps she works best from hearing the routine. You could make a recording (tape, CD or even DVD) kind of like an exercise video. Ideally, you would tape or film her describing what she is doing. Some peppy music that sets the pace (brush the teeth cued by a certain song, etc) might add to the attraction for her.Then she could follow it through the routine. When she gets bored with that tape, she could make a new one.

Maybe a "treasure hunt" format where she moves from place to place for the the next task. Example - something by the bed that draws her into the bathroom where things are set out for her use. Then a card or clue there to someplace else - perhaps back into the bedroom to get dressed, make her bed, etc. You could vary it from day to day to keep it interesting by just varying the order of the tasks, etc. Or make it a "beat the clock" situation - that worked great for me as a kid.

These are just some ideas off the top of my head. I'm sure that you'll be able to figure out something that works for both of you. You can help her figure out how to set it up and do the actual work so that it doesn't become overwhelming for you. She can find magazine pictures, make models out of clay, etc. The novelty will probably engage her interest.

One other thing I'd consider is if there is a way to make some of the tasks take place at a different time of day - after school, before bed, etc. when her energy level might be different. Also, perhaps a warm bath/shower right off the bat in the morning might rev up her body temperature and energy level.

Good luck. She's lucky to have somebody in her life who recognizes the importance of structure in dealing with the ADD.

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I'm 45 years old, and recently found out that I have ADD inattentive type. All my life, I knew there was something different about me. Without meaning to be, I was often a source of frustration to those around me. I remember my grade 4 teacher sending me to get my hearing tested. I could also relate to you describing your daughter as not all there, and acting blond. I had a friend who even lovingly nicknamed me blondie, and said I had blond roots as my hair is dark. When I would go to my doctor they would always hear they same list of complaints. Tired all the time, lack of motivation, and trouble sleeping. Due to this, I received a prescription for sleeping pills for a time called Zopiclone. They were wonderful at first, but after a short while started to backfire. It took quite a bit of doing to get off them, and I'll never touch them again. Due to this, I am quite leary about taking medication for this dysfunction, as these pills are in the same family as antidepressants. My doctor at the time encouraged me that if I can function without antidepressants, I would be much better off. I am thankful to this day for his advice. I wonder about the long-term effects of chemicals pumping through your system? Could this only add to the symptoms one struggles with when coping with ADD? When I recently read my Mom the list of symptoms for ADD, her response confirmed my suspicions. She laughed then said, Ok so now what do we do about it? She's always been a good Mom, and tried her best, but that response hurt a little. I'm telling you this to help you with your daughter, and to accept her the way she is. Learning in mid-life has actually helped me immensely with coping with my symptoms. You and your daughter have the advantage of knowing early on what's going on, and you can both be spared alot of frustration. There is definitely an upside to this dysfunction if we can just be allowed to be who we are. I have read that ADD sufferers are very artistic and intuitive. At times, they may be able to do certain things even better than those without ADD. I have also realized that I have to be realistic about what I'm good at, and what I'm not good at. For example, I drove school bus for a time. My Mom said she always worried about me being responsible for all those kids with the way I function. Thank goodness nothing bad happened, but to be honest, if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have considered this job as an option for me. I have never posted anything on a forum before, but I felt compelled to do so now as I can tell that you're a loving Mom looking for help. I hope this helps you and others as well.

(Oh yeah! I've been married for almost 30 years to a most wonderful patient man. At times however, I've been a source of frustration to him too. Gaining this knowledge about ADD has helped us alot to understand the source of this frustration, and how to cope with it. Once again, it is encouraging to know that your daughter has a head start in this which will contribute to her having a successful life.)

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Walrus I completely understand your take on ADD with the train tracks as the perfect discription. I myself tell others that I have a three ring circus going on in my head constantly. I am 47 and just found out in the last year that I have ADD. Its been quite an eye opener for me to discover this. It makes so much sense all the pain I endured through grade school and high school. I was terrified of the thought of going to college because of the hard times I had with my past experiences in school. I tried to explain to a Dr. a few years ago that I thought I had ADD but he dismissed it and put me on Lexapro for depression. I know that depression runs in my family but it makes me wonder if perhaps my father might have had ADD and it was never diagnosed. Or was seen only as depression. I found a wonderful counselor who helped me see that I might just have ADD after all and guided me to finding out for sure. When it was discovered that I do indeed have ADD I was elated to know that I wasnt the dumbass that Ive felt like for so many years. I wish I could do anything to go back to grade school on the proper meds and do it all over again. I am a lil perplexed with the idea of ADD also making some sluggish. The reason I am perplexed is that I can relate to not feeling much energy, especially in the mornings when its time to get a move on the day. In the past I have been a runner and miss it terribly as I have an ailment that right now wont allow me to run. Ive run 12 mini marathons along with other various races before last year. I know it was very good for me to have that exercise in my life yet I didnt run all the time. Only when spring would come around and I knew these races were ahead of me. Part of it was to show one of my brothers that I could run my first mini marathon after watching him in the past run four of them. Ive found alot of my motivations come from proving something to someone other than myself. Being the youngest in a large family with many brothers (6), Ive always been the runt and have gone about doing things it seems to impress them. I too have had many jobs in the past for which I am grateful to say I was never fired from any of them. But it seems I would get bored easy and need something else to drive me. I now work in a physical job which is great when we are busy as I tend to work very well with my hands. I also know I am a visual person and reading a book for anything other than pleasure bores me and I have a hard time keeping my mind at task when having to guide myself through a book. I do know that when the Dr. who did finally agree with me that I have ADD and not just depression, after putting me on Welbuterin I could see a change in one day. Unfortunately I am no longer taking anything because of insurance but Im curious if others were put on Welbuterin as its not a medicine that I see or hear of that is often if ever prescribed for ADD? And do any others who feel like they have no energy ever run or do other physical activities and how it has affected you?

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Hi - I'm not very experienced in this forum stuff! I posted a reply to you, but I didn't realize it would get posted as a separate message. Anyway - the message that is identified as #15 is my reply. If I knew how to move it here, I would do it......

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Prozac said: I have ADHD and I have to make myself slow down. However, my step daughter has ADD inattentive type and she seems to need a fire under her butt to do anything. She is 9 years old and acts like a "dumb blond". I had her IQ tested to make certain she was "all their" and she has an high IQ. For instance,she has been doing the same morning routine for 2 years and she should be able to complete it without even thinking;however, she has to be reminded to do certain things anyway. I even have a list she is to read to remind her but she forgets to read the list. I am reading a book called :Brigh Minds,Poor Grades-Understanding and Motivating Your Underachieving Child and it seems to discribe her very well. I have to same question as the college student, is it ADD,underachievment,anxiety or all the above? I am concerned about her going into middle school and concerned about her in general due to her being so "blond". We go to councling etc. but nothing seems to change.To all the inattentive ADD adults, please tell me what helps you function as an adult? Did you have to become aware that something wasn't exactly right and you seemed to day dream often or have difficulty with motivation? Truly concerned

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I could put my name next to your quote...thats how Very similar my story is...lol. I just turned 31 couple of days ago and was diagnosed couple of weeks before that. I always knew that something was there just couldnt pin point what. ADHD even crossed my mind couple of times but I always associated that with someone hyper while Im the opposite. When the doctor diagnosed me with ADHD things made so much more sense. Tried Concentra first and that didnt work, made me feel detouched from everyone and everything. I switched over to adderall and it was ok for a few days minus the insomia until the weekend came and I totally crashed. Today is monday and I dragged my feet through the day. Im in the military and currently deployed in Iraq soooo....there is no room for me to be TOO tired to do anything and its really hard when you just feel like you dont have it in you to do anything. I felt very isolated today and couldnt think of anything that could make me happy. The insomia is gone and my appetite is coming back too. I tried increasing the dose but its not doing much. I read that adderall combined with antidepressants can help so Im going to look into that on my next appointment coming up in a week.

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Astraea said: I was diagnosed with inattentive type ADD a few months ago, at age 31. All my life I have felt like I was always so tired, unable to do all the things other people do, lacking any ambition. All this was wrapped up with some depression and a lot of anxiety as well. I definitely recommend seeing a therapist about it. The diagnosis helped me put many things in perspective and while I still struggle and have a lot of work ahead of me, I spend less time feeling worthless and wondering why I have no motivation or ambition.

I really relate to what you said. I also did okay in school because I was a quick learner and was eager to learn, and able to communicate. But I didn't do as well as I could have done because of problems procrastinating and trouble with learning how to study. There were a lot of things I just got. I did well on tests, and very well on standardized tests because of this. But I didn't have any conscious process for learning things I didn't get. From what I've read, this seems to me to have to do with ADD. I see a big picture, but have trouble breaking it down into smaller pieces. I have trouble thinking through the process of things, I just want to get to the end point already! And thinking through all the small things takes so long, I am easily distracted by something else in the meantime.

You are not alone! Good luck.

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i am ADD innatentive type. i didnt know that fully untill recently. i know i was ADD but didnt know much of subtypes. i am bipolar as well so when young was tested for ADHD. it was the bipolar mania that was making me hyper. once i was medicated for that and no more manias i turned into a space cadet and a bit of a slug. so one problem solved for now has made me more aware of the other., i zone out alot. i cant remember in a car as passenger where i have been. get lost easily. daydream. lack of motivation. overwhelm easily. hyperfocus in loud enviorments...like my job, so i can cope. frustrated alot doing everyday things. the ADD is running my life the way the bipolar did. traded one problem for another. at least when manic i was motivated and cared about more stuff. i am depressed over all this. who wouldnt be. am on welbutrin and zoloft for anxiety and depression. it doesnt help the ADD in my case tho. it feels so good to be 'around' ppl who understand what i am going through. i am in my fifties and work fast food. never finished college. couldnt stay focused on long long lectures. books i would read awhile but then go off in lala land. unless something that really interested me. my husband...my rock of sanity...does not understand what is wrong with me. he was used to the manic wild me, but he doesnt understand the slug and daydreamer i always was but hid pretty well. as i get older it gets harder rather than easier. i can't hear ppl, i think part of it is hearing and part distraction and part processing problems. my pdoc doesnt think i am as bad as i am. i cant afford meds for it. ritalin did help me some, but i needed a stronger dose and i could not afford it. still paying off debts i ran up when manic. also get so impatient, and have to bite my tongue often to keep quiet. i still do talk too much. anyways, so glad finally finally found ppl who live the way i do. finally ppl who understand! it is such a relief.

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