What is Inattentive ADHD

ADHD is a term most people associate with kids who can’t sit still—but that’s just part of the whole picture. Inattentive ADHD may look different from hyperactive ADHD and is an often misunderstood condition.

Learn what inattentive ADHD looks like in both children and adults and what you can do to manage the symptoms involved.

What is Inattentive ADHD?

Inattentive ADHD is a type of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder characterized by difficulties concentrating, focusing on tasks, and staying organized. Those with inattentive ADHD might still demonstrate signs of hyperactivity.

Millions of people are diagnosed with ADHD per year, with inattentive ADHD being the most common type in both children and teenagers [*]. While gender differences for inattentive ADHD are less pronounced, boys are diagnosed more often than girls.

While the definitive cause of inattentive ADHD is unclear, it can result from genetics, differences in brain structure (such as in regions affecting executive functioning) and function, substance use, environmental factors, and low birth weight.

Characteristics of people with inattentive ADHD include:

• Difficulty concentrating on tasks
• High forgetfulness
• High distractibility
• Trouble staying organized
• High impulsivity
• Restlessness

Inattentive ADHD Symptoms

The symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulties with the following:

• Staying focused on tasks for more extended periods
• Managing time and organizing deadlines/projects
• Listening to others and staying engaged in conversations
• Following through on tasks, assignments, and obligations
• Remembering to complete routine chores and tasks
• Performing tasks requiring significant time and effort

While everyone may experience these symptoms once in a while, people with inattentive ADHD experience them to a disruptive level.

Inattentive vs. Hyperactive ADHD

The primary difference between inattentive and hyperactive ADHD is in the presentation of symptoms. While people with inattentive ADHD struggle primarily with focus and organization, people with hyperactive ADHD often experience constant movement, fidgeting, and difficulties with impulse control.

Additionally, inattentive symptoms can appear more subtly and usually go overlooked. For example, a person with hyperactive ADHD might demonstrate restlessness physically by shaking their leg, picking at their fingers, or fiddling. In contrast, someone with inattentive ADHD might internalize this restlessness as worry or racing thoughts.

Inattentive vs. Combined Type

Combined type ADHD manifests in symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive ADHD. Both types feature distinct difficulties with executive functioning. In addition to all inattentive symptoms, someone with combined ADHD will also present with symptoms of hyperactivity, such as talking excessively, struggling to take turns, or being unable to engage in activities quietly.

Common Challenges with Inattentive ADHD

The primary struggle of people with inattentive ADHD is the ability to complete tasks and stay organized. Other difficulties someone with inattentive ADHD might have include the following:

• Academic and professional struggles, such as finding it hard to focus on long lectures, following through on multi-step projects, and having a disorganized workspace
• Communication breakdowns as a result of missing essential details or asking people to repeat themselves several times
• Trouble with working memory and recalling information
• Chronic feelings of overwhelm and low self-esteem because of being perceived as lazy or unmotivated

When to Seek Professional Help

It’s important to seek professional help for a child with inattentive ADHD when it starts interfering with their daily life. Seeking help can lead to improved academic performance, better communication, and enhanced self-esteem. For example, if your child can’t complete school/work tasks or function normally, it’s best to consult their pediatrician, who can recommend a specialist.

Consider the persistence and severity of the symptoms. If you’ve noticed long-term patterns in your child, the symptoms are affecting multiple areas of their life, and they’re struggling to maintain friendships because of it, seek help.

Inattentive ADHD Test

While there is no single test for inattentive ADHD, you can receive a diagnosis from a psychiatrist, neurologist, or psychologist.

Here’s what a typical ADHD screening involves:

• A review of the symptoms, wherein a professional will conduct an interview with you, family members, and teachers
• A confirmation that the symptoms aren’t caused by another condition, such as anxiety, depression, a learning disability, or a sleep disorder
• A determination of co-existing mental health conditions

Unfortunately, inattentive ADHD is often missed or misdiagnosed, especially in girls.

Inattentive ADHD Treatment

Treating inattentive ADHD requires a multifaceted approach for managing symptoms. While there is no cure, successful treatment plans can improve a person’s executive functioning and interpersonal relationships.

Inattentive Medications

For children older than six, a healthcare provider may prescribe one or more of the following medications:

• Stimulants: These streamline signals sent to the central nervous system (CNS) to make a person more alert [*]. They improve attention and executive functioning. 70-80% of children with ADHD improve on these fast-acting medications.
• Non-stimulants: Children who don’t react well to stimulants may be prescribed non-stimulants, which are slower-acting.

Therapy

Behavior modification therapy plays a significant role in treating ADHD. The primary form of recommended therapy is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which targets problem behaviors and teaches self-regulation and coping strategies [*]. Therapists will also teach individuals to identify and replace negative thought patterns with positive thoughts and behaviors.

People with inattentive ADHD can also benefit from support groups, where they can share experiences and learn from others going through something similar.

Outlook/Prognosis

The outlook for inattentive ADHD is generally positive, especially with early and accurate diagnosis. Starting a combination of therapy and medications can make inattentive ADHD highly manageable.

A strong support system can go a long way for someone with inattentive ADHD. If friends and family members are aware of a person’s symptoms, they can make the necessary adjustments and offer encouragement.

How Can I Help My Child with Inattentive ADHD?

If your child has inattentive ADHD, they may experience challenges in school and with friends. Here are some ways you can support them, broken down into categories:

Managing Distractions

• Create a work zone by limiting external distractions. Dedicate a space in their room or in your home for projects.
• Limit screen time, especially before bed. Have your child put away their electronics in the evening.
• Provide noise-canceling headphones if your child is sensitive to loud noises.
• Teach calming exercises, such as deep breathing or grounding, when your child feels overstimulated.
• Develop predictable routines surrounding chores and homework so your child knows what to expect every time.

Staying Organized

• Color-code assignments or chores to help your child stay on track.
• Create visual checklists and charts for daily reminders. Have your child cross off each task as they complete it.
• Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable tasks to prevent ADHD paralysis, or the feeling of being unable to complete one bigger task.
• Designate baskets or cubbies for your child’s items, such as a dedicated space for their school supplies and another for their hobby materials.
• If your child is old enough for a smartphone, use reminders and alerts to keep them on top of tasks.

Staying Focused

• Implement timers or techniques like Pomodoro to help your child stay focused on tasks.
• Provide clear, simple instructions instead of overwhelming your child with too many steps.
• Introduce daily physical activity to help your child release nervous energy.
• Praise effort and success. Motivate your child every time they finish a task.
• Provide frequent “brain breaks” in between tasks, such as watching a short episode of your child’s favorite show or indulging them in their favorite snack.

The Bottom Line

Inattentive ADHD can be easily misconstrued as laziness or aloofness. However, this isn’t the case. ADHD causes the brain to function differently. But with the right support and tools, inattentive ADHD doesn’t have to get in the way of you or your child’s daily lives.

Help your child improve their executive functioning and organizational skills with our ADHD worksheets.

Sources:

1. Getinet Ayano, Sileshi Demelash, Yitbarek Gizachew, Light Tsegay, Alati R. “The global prevalence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: An umbrella review of meta-analyses.” Journal of Affective Disorders, 2023.
2. “Treatment of ADHD.” CDC, 2024.
3. Jensen CM, Birgitte Lind Amdisen, Karsten Juhl Jørgensen, Sidse M. H. Arnfred. “Cognitive behavioural therapy for ADHD in adults: systematic review and meta-analyses.” ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 2016.