Understanding the Inattention Symptoms of ADHD

Do you frequently misplace your keys or phone? Do you struggle to stay organized at home and at work? Do you struggle to follow instructions? Do you “space out”? These are just a few signs of inattention — and for those who are diagnosed with predominantly inattentive ADHD, inattention can derail your life.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is well-known for causing hyperactivity, but inattention can be just as problematic. While ADHD symptoms can include hyperactivity, that’s far from the only symptom of ADHD. It’s possible that inattention is your main ADHD symptom, particularly if you have predominantly inattentive ADHD. But how do you know if inattention is keeping you from reaching your potential?

Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, our team of compassionate providers are experts when it comes to diagnosing and treating ADHD, regardless of whether you’re struggling with inattention or hyperactivity (or both). If you’re struggling to focus, we recommend that you visit us for an evaluation. 

In the meantime, continue reading this article to learn more about inattention.

ADHD and Inattentivness

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s diagnostic criteria listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, there are nine signs of inattentiveness associated with ADHD. They include:

1. Trouble staying focused on tasks (both at home and at work)
2. Making careless mistakes (if you didn’t pay close attention to the details) 
3. Frequently missing deadlines and appointments
4. Being easily distracted
5. Frequently failing to follow through with projects
6. Difficulty keeping up with routine chores (e.g. paying bills, returning emails or phone calls)
7. Frequently avoiding tasks that require long periods of mental focus (e.g., preparing big reports at work, filling out long forms, or tackling time-consuming projects around the house)
8. Frequently losing items (e.g., keys, phone, remote)
9. Frequently hearing from friends or family that you’re not listening even when they speak directly to you

You don’t need to demonstrate all nine of those signs, however. According to researchers from Cleveland Health, you only need five out of the above nine symptoms to be diagnosed with inattentive-type ADHD.

Is ADHD the Only Cause of Inattention?

No, ADHD isn’t the only cause of inattention. Other non-ADHD causes of inattention can include side effects from medication, extreme fatigue, and other underlying medical conditions such as hypothyroidism.

Can Inattention and Hyperactivity Coexist?

Yes! ADHD isn’t characterized by inattention or hyperactivity. It’s possible that you or your child report symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity. If you experience both inattention and hyperactivity, you might have a different type of ADHD — the combined type. According to the experts at Johns Hopkins, this is the most common type of ADHD.

Is Inattention Holding You Back?

If you’re struggling with inattention, it can affect all facets of your life from home to work to your personal relationships. The good news is that ADHD is treatable, and with the right treatment, you can reclaim control over your life. ADHD treatment includes medication, lifestyle changes, coaching (group, individual, and parenting coaching), and therapy — all of which is available here at Next Step.

If you have questions about ADHD or would like to explore your treatment options, give us a call at 502-907-5908. You can also request an appointment here.