Attention deficit disorder or ADD is referred to as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. People with this disorder are classified into one of three types depending on the symptoms. These types include inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive and combined. Specific treatments for ADHD are based on the type of ADHD a person has and the symptoms of the particular type in the individual. Therefore, treatment for inattentive or non-hyperactive ADHD will vary from treatment for hyperactivity.
Professional Coaching
Professional coaches are often used as a form of treatment for people with inattentive forms of ADHD. These coaches are often referred to as behavioral coaches or life coaches. They work specifically with the person who has ADHD to devise practical solutions to problems. A coach will come into the person's home or place of work to observe the problems firsthand and then implement the solutions.
Professional coaches engage the person to develop her own solutions and devise ways to maintain the solutions. Possible problems that a professional coach would focus on with a person who has the symptoms of inattentive ADHD include time management, organization, relationship conflicts, communication, task competition and financial management.
Treatment for inattentive ADHD from a professional coach can be highly effective, but is generally not covered under insurance. Therefore, people must pay for these coaches out of pocket, which may be too costly for some.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation can be especially beneficial in the treatment of people with inattentive forms of ADHD because the majority of information people have relates to the hyperactive-impulsive forms of ADHD, not the inattentive forms. Helping a person with inattentive ADHD understand the symptoms, manifestations, problems and complications of the disorder can help him put everything into perspective and begin to take steps to cope with the symptoms.
Psychoeducation also helps those involved in the life of the person with inattentive ADHD to understanding the disorder and learn how to effectively interact with the person.
Medication
The use of medication helps increase the focus and concentration of a person with inattentive ADHD. According to Help4ADHD.org, medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ADHD generally work to reduce a substantial number of inattentive symptoms. Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta, are generally tried first. If these do not prove effective, a doctor might try a non-stimulant such as Strattera.
Individual Therapy
People with inattentive forms of ADHD often benefit from individual therapy. Behavioral therapy is used to help the person learn to control her behavior and become more productive, reports the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AACAP. Also, cognitive therapy is used to challenge and replace the person's negative thought patterns, increase her self-esteem and help her learn effective ways to solve problems, notes the AACAP.
Therapy also allows the person with inattentive ADHD to address any other problems that could be intensifying symptoms of the disorder.
