Inattentive ADHD is a type of ADHD where problems with attention, organisation and forgetfulness are the main symptoms, without significant hyperactivity or impulsiveness. It's the presentation people used to call ADD (attention deficit disorder), and because it's quiet rather than disruptive, it's easy to miss (Open University; NHS).
Key takeaways
- There are three ADHD types (clinicians call them "presentations"): predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined (Open University).
- For adults, DSM-5 requires at least five inattention symptoms from a list of nine, with some present before age 12 and in two or more settings (Open University).
- Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both types, which is combined ADHD (NHS).
- Inattentive symptoms can be harder to recognise, which is one reason ADHD is recognised less often in women (NHS).
What is inattentive ADHD?
ADHD symptoms fall into two groups: inattentiveness, and hyperactivity and impulsiveness (NHS). In inattentive ADHD, the first group dominates. You might not look restless at all. Instead, you struggle to stay focused, keep track of things and get tasks over the line.
Because it doesn't disrupt a classroom or a meeting, it often goes unnoticed for years. People with inattentive ADHD are sometimes labelled "dreamy", "lazy" or "disorganised" long before anyone considers ADHD. The NHS notes that inattentive symptoms can be harder to recognise, especially in women (NHS). Our guide to ADHD in women looks at this in more detail.
Inattentive ADHD symptoms
These are the nine inattention symptoms in DSM-5, the diagnostic manual many specialists use (Open University). The adult examples are ours, to help you picture them. This is a reflection aid, not a test.
| DSM-5 inattention symptom (often…) | How it can look in adult life |
|---|---|
| Misses details or makes careless mistakes | Typos in emails, errors in forms or spreadsheets |
| Has trouble holding attention on tasks | Reading the same page three times |
| Doesn't seem to listen when spoken to directly | Losing the thread of a conversation mid-way |
| Doesn't follow through on instructions or finish tasks | Many projects started, few finished |
| Has trouble organising tasks and activities | Chaotic inbox, missed deadlines, poor time sense |
| Avoids tasks that need sustained mental effort | Putting off tax returns or reports until the last minute — see ADHD paralysis |
| Loses things needed for tasks | Keys, phone, wallet, paperwork |
| Is easily distracted | Pulled away by notifications, noise or your own thoughts |
| Is forgetful in daily activities | Missed appointments, bills and birthdays |
For a diagnosis, adults need at least five of these, and they must cause real difficulty in more than one area of life (Open University; NICE NG87).
The three ADHD types
| ADHD type | Main features |
|---|---|
| Predominantly inattentive | Symptoms of inattention, but not hyperactivity or impulsiveness |
| Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive | Symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness, but not inattention |
| Combined | Symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsiveness |
Source: Open University.
What is combined ADHD?
Combined ADHD means you have significant symptoms from both groups. It's the most common picture. The NHS says most people with ADHD have symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive type, while some only show signs of one (NHS). In adults, hyperactivity is often less visible than in children. It may feel more like restlessness, talking a lot, interrupting or making quick decisions (NHS).
Is ADD the same as inattentive ADHD?
Broadly, yes. "ADD" is an older name that you'll still hear. Strictly speaking it's no longer a diagnostic term. It was replaced by ADHD in the DSM-IV in 1994, and specialists now describe it as ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation (Open University).
So if you've always thought "I can't have ADHD, I'm not hyperactive", it's worth knowing that hyperactivity isn't required.
How inattentive ADHD is diagnosed
The process is the same for every type. A diagnosis should only be made by a specialist psychiatrist or another appropriately qualified professional with training in ADHD (NICE NG87). The specialist looks at your symptoms now and in childhood, how they affect your life in different settings, and whether anything else could explain them.
That last point matters for inattentive symptoms. Anxiety, depression and poor sleep can all affect concentration, and people with ADHD often have other conditions too (NHS). A proper assessment helps untangle them. Read more about ADHD in adults, or see our guide to how to get an adult ADHD assessment in the UK.
You can also try our ADHD self-screener to organise your thoughts before speaking to a clinician. It can't diagnose ADHD.
If ADHD is diagnosed, support can include workplace adjustments, lifestyle changes, talking therapies and medication (NHS). Treatment options, including medicines, are discussed with your clinician.
Renvo can help. Our ADHD service begins with a free initial consultation to talk through your experiences. It's the first conversation, not an assessment or diagnosis. adult ADHD assessment
When to see a GP
See a GP if attention problems are affecting your work, studies or relationships, and you think they may have been there since childhood (NHS). A GP can also check for other causes and refer you to a specialist.
If you're struggling with your mental health and feel unable to keep yourself safe (NHS):
- call 999 or go to A&E if someone's life is at risk
- call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option (option 2 in England)
- call Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123
Honest FAQs
What are the 3 types of ADHD?
Predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined (Open University). Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both main groups (NHS).
Is inattentive ADHD the same as ADD?
Yes, broadly. ADD is an older term that's no longer used as a diagnosis; the same pattern is now called ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation (Open University).
Can you have ADHD without being hyperactive?
Yes. In inattentive ADHD, symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsiveness aren't prominent (Open University). Instead, the difficulties are with focus, organisation and forgetfulness.
Is inattentive ADHD more common in women?
The NHS says women with ADHD more commonly have inattentive symptoms, which can be harder to recognise. This may be one reason ADHD is recognised less often in women than men (NHS).
This article is general information, not medical advice. Always speak to a qualified clinician about your own symptoms.
