• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
    • Depression
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • ADHD
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

Inattentive ADHD Type: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Published: March 15, 2023 Updated: March 15, 2023
Published: 03/15/2023 Updated: 03/15/2023
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS
  • What Is ADHD Inattentive Type?What Is Inattentive ADHD?
  • Symptoms of ADHD Inattentive TypeCommon Symptoms
  • What Causes ADHD Inattentive Type?Possible Causes
  • How Is ADHD Inattentive Type Diagnosed?How It's Diagnosis
  • ADHD Inattentive Type TreatmentTreatment Options
  • How to Cope With ADHD Inattentive TypeHow to Cope With It
  • How to Help a Child With ADHD Inattentive TypeSupporting a Child With ADHD
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Inattentive ADHD Type InfographicsInfographics
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS

Those who experience inattentive ADHD often have difficulties concentrating, focusing on tasks, or remembering important responsibilities. Symptoms vary in presentation, but can cause unique challenges in one’s academic life, relationships, and daily routine. Like other subtypes of ADHD, inattentive ADHD can be treated with medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

Are you looking for help with managing your ADHD symptoms? BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for referrals by BetterHelp

Visit BetterHelp

What Is ADHD Inattentive Type?

Inattentive ADHD, formerly referred to as attention deficit disorder (ADD), is a subcategory of ADHD characterized by troubles with staying organized, paying attention to detail, and focusing. Unlike the other two subtypes of ADHD, those with inattentive form do not experience ADHD impulsivity or hyperactivity.

The three types of ADHD include:

  • Inattentive type: includes difficulties with staying on task, organization, and concentration.
  • Hyperactive/impulsive type: includes difficulties with impulse control and ADHD racing thoughts.
  • Combined type: A person with combined type ADHD will fall into both categories. This means they will experience all symptoms.

Symptoms of ADHD Inattentive Type

How inattentive ADHD symptoms are experienced will depend on the individual. These may change over time, so learning how to recognize increases in symptom severity in yourself or a child is important.

Symptoms of ADHD inattentive type may include:

  • Becoming easily distracted
  • Forgetfulness
  • Disorganization
  • Lack of motivation
  • Fatigue
  • Restlessness

What Causes ADHD Inattentive Type?

There are many factors that play into the development of inattentive ADHD, including one’s genetics, environment, and even pregnancy complications.1 While having a predisposition to this condition may put a person at higher risk for ADHD, it does not necessarily mean that they will go on to experience it.

ADHD inattentive type may be caused by:

  • Genetic factors: Research suggests that having a sibling or parent with ADHD increases a person’s risk for developing it themselves.
  • Environmental factors: How a person is raised and the environment they grow up in can influence the likelihood of them developing ADHD.
  • Prenatal complications: Being born prematurely may increase a person’s risk of ADHD.

How Is ADHD Inattentive Type Diagnosed?

Receiving an accurate diagnosis is the first step when seeking to manage your inattentive symptoms. A diagnostic process typically includes a variety of tests and reviews of medical, family, and social history. A psychiatrist, primary-care physician, or other qualified mental health professional will walk you through this process.2

A diagnostic process for ADHD inattentive type may include:

  • Medical history review
  • Psychological tests
  • Family history review
  • Mental status exam
  • Review of school records

ADHD Inattentive Type Treatment

As is the case with any mental health condition, there is no one treatment approach for ADHD that works for everyone. When treating adult ADHD, individuals may be recommended a combination of medication and therapy. Working with a mental health professional to determine what methods best suit your needs is the first step towards symptom management.3

Medication

Medication is often considered a frontline treatment for those with inattentive ADHD. While there are many medications for ADHD available, individuals should be aware of possible ADHD medication side effects. Consult with your physician to learn more about the different types of prescriptions, associated risks, and intended benefits. If you would prefer to have an initial consultation at home, there are numerous online psychiatry options to consider.

Medications for ADHD inattentive type may include:

  • Stimulants: Stimulants, such as Adderall*, can be helpful as they are designed to help improve concentration and focus.
  • Non-stimulants: Non-stimulants can help keep a person calm and grounded when needed.
  • Antidepressants: Some individuals may benefit from certain SSRIs**, as they may be struggling with a co-occurring disorder, such as anxiety or depression.

*This medication has a black-box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for a risk of medication misuse or abuse.

**This medication has a black-box warning, the most serious kind of warning from the FDA for a risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people. You should talk with your doctor about these risks before starting this medication. 

Therapy

There are several benefits of therapy, but finding a neurodiversity-affirming therapist is important when living with inattentive ADHD. These therapists will understand your challenges and how they can best be addressed. There are also online therapy options available if you know that attending in-person sessions may not be possible for you.

Therapy options for ADHD inattentive type include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT for ADHD helps clients learn how their thoughts impact their behaviors. A person will then make efforts to address negative thoughts to make necessary changes.
  • Group therapy: Group therapy offers a person the opportunity to connect with others who experience similar issues, learn coping skills, and build a sense of community.
  • Family therapy: In some cases, family therapy can be beneficial. Here, family members work together to understand how they can support one another and improve communication.
  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): DBT teaches a person how to remain grounded when struggling with their emotions. This can help those with inattentive ADHD recognize when they are being distracted or feeling anxious, allowing them to become better focused.
  • Mindfulness based CBT (MBCT): MBCT can help improve overall executive functioning, which is often dysregulated in those with ADHD.

Complementary Treatments

Along with medication and psychotherapy, there are a variety of natural remedies for ADHD that may prove beneficial for some. This can include taking supplements, making certain diet changes, exercising, or biofeedback. However, if you are considering any supplements or vitamins, be sure to discuss these with your doctor before trying them.

How to Cope With ADHD Inattentive Type

Finding ways to cope with and better manage challenging symptoms can help you feel more in control of your day. Maintaining self-care may sound easy, but sometimes we forget to pay attention to our own needs when navigating the many challenges of life. However, staying active, focusing on your diet, and developing healthy coping mechanisms is beneficial when living with inattentive ADHD.

Below are tips for coping with ADHD inattentive type:

  • Try meditation: Meditation for ADHD can be beneficial, as it encourages one to become grounded and stay focused. Developing a regular meditation routine can boost your concentration skills and overall ability to stay on task.
  • Try body doubling: You may benefit from using body doubling techniques when completing tasks, as it can help you stay motivated. Body doubling involves having a friend accompanying you when completing a task to help improve productivity.
  • Change your environment: When working or finishing a project, change your environment to one free of distractions. This may be a physical location, or it could look like removing yourself from a conversation or social situation.
  • Adjust your caffeine intake: Focus on limiting your caffeine consumption or opting for an alternative.
  • Increase exercise: Having an exercise routine can help you release energy that may be preventing you from staying focused and concentrated.

How to Help a Child With ADHD Inattentive Type

A child with ADHD inattentive type needs love and support from parents or caregivers. This may mean that your family has to make certain changes to your dynamic, such as your eating habits, routines, and communication methods. It’s important to remember that taking these steps will benefit your child in many ways.4

Below are ways to support a child with inattentive ADHD:

  • Develop a routine: Developing a routine will help your child stay focused. Having a set schedule allows a child the ability to plan ahead and know exactly what to expect throughout the day.
  • Limit distractions: Limiting distractions for your child can help them stay concentrated and on task. This may include turning off the TV, limiting Internet use, or not allowing the use of phones when a child is focusing on something important.
  • Encourage movement and play: Engaging in play and physical activity allows a child to release any pent-up energy, which can help them stay better focused later on.
  • Foster your relationships: A parent or caregiver who encourages their child to express their emotions shows their child that they are important, valued, and understood.
  • Provide clear direction: Be direct and thorough about what your child’s responsibilities are and why it is important for them to keep up with them. For example, explain to your child what tasks they need to tackle and ask them to repeat back your instructions.

Final Thoughts

ADHD inattentive type can be challenging to cope with, but there are helpful and effective treatments available. Receiving support is important, so exploring the options available to you is essential. There is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment approach, so spending time to discover what works best for you will be beneficial in the long run.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists, who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

Virtual Psychiatry

Talkiatry Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with top-rated psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment within a week. Free Assessment

Relationship Help

Online-Therapy With a couples counselor, you can work on developing better communication, building trust, and improving intimacy. Online-Therapy.com provides a weekly live video session and unlimited text messaging. Get Started

Infidelity & Trust Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those that have been a victim of infidelity or broken trust. Receive support and guidance. Sign Up

Choosing Therapy  Directory 

You can search for therapists by specialty,  experience, insurance or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp, Online-Therapy.com, and Talkiatry.

For Further Reading

  • 21 Best ADHD Blogs
  • 20 Best ADHD Podcasts
  • 15 Best ADHD Books
  • Adult ADHD – CHADD
  • Improving the lives of people affected by ADHD – CHADD
  • We’ve Got Answers – ADHD Online

Inattentive ADHD Type Infographics

What Is ADHD Inattentive Type  Symptoms of ADHD Inattentive Type  ADHD Inattentive Type Treatment

4 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • NHS. (2022). Causes. NHS UK. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/causes/

  • Stanton, K., Forbes, M. K., & Zimmerman, M. (2018). Distinct dimensions defining the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale: Implications for assessing inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms. Psychological Assessment, 30(12), 1549–1559. https://doi.org/10.1037/pas0000604

  • Sprich, S., et al. (2016). A randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioral therapy for ADHD in medication-treated adolescents. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 57(11), 1218–1226. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12549

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Teens: What You Need to Know. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-in-children-and-teens-what-you-need-to-know

Recent Articles

ADHD Medication for Kids: Types, Side Effects, & Risks
ADHD Medication for Kids: Types, Side Effects, & Risks
ADHD medication for kids can help reduce symptoms such as difficulty paying attention and trouble controlling impulsive behaviors. Common...
';
Tips for Healthy Living With ADHD as an Adult
10 Tips for Healthy Living With ADHD as an Adult
Living with ADHD as an adult can cause unique challenges for those with the condition. However, there are many...
';
Meditation for ADHD: 5 Techniques & How To Get Started
Meditation for ADHD: 5 Techniques & How To Get Started
Those diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be interested in trying complementary interventions or techniques to help...
';
Correlations Between ADHD & Narcissism
Correlations Between ADHD & Narcissism
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) are two distinct psychiatric conditions that share some overlapping risk factors...
';
How to Find a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist
How to Find a Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapist
If you’re autistic or neurodivergent, it can be challenging to find a therapist who understands the unique needs specific...
';
12 Symptoms & Signs of Adult ADHD
14 Symptoms & Signs of Adult ADHD
ADHD is a neurological, mental health disorder in which individuals experience chronic issues with inattention, hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. Without...
';
Andrea Brognano LMHC,LPC, NCC
Written by:

Andrea Brognano

LMHC, LPC, NCC

Headshot of Naveed Saleh, MD, MS
Reviewed by:

Naveed Saleh

MD, MS
  • What Is ADHD Inattentive Type?What Is Inattentive ADHD?
  • Symptoms of ADHD Inattentive TypeCommon Symptoms
  • What Causes ADHD Inattentive Type?Possible Causes
  • How Is ADHD Inattentive Type Diagnosed?How It's Diagnosis
  • ADHD Inattentive Type TreatmentTreatment Options
  • How to Cope With ADHD Inattentive TypeHow to Cope With It
  • How to Help a Child With ADHD Inattentive TypeSupporting a Child With ADHD
  • Final ThoughtsConclusion
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • Inattentive ADHD Type InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept