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Can Someone Have ADHD Without Hyperactivity? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Yes, ADHD can be diagnosed without hyperactivity. This subtype, known as inattentive ADHD (or quiet ADHD), is marked by symptoms such as forgetfulness, disorganisation, and difficulty focusing. Unlike hyperactive ADHD, people with inattentive ADHD may appear calm but struggle internally with attention and memory.

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What Is Inattentive ADHD?

Inattentive ADHD is one of the three subtypes of ADHD. Instead of impulsivity and restlessness, the main symptoms involve:

  • Daydreaming and zoning out
  • Struggling to follow through with tasks
  • Forgetfulness in daily life
  • Disorganisation and missed details

Because these symptoms are less disruptive, inattentive ADHD often goes unnoticed, especially in children. 

How It Differs from Hyperactive ADHD

Inattentive ADHDHyperactive ADHD
Struggles with focus and organisationRestless, fidgety, always “on the go”
Appears quiet, withdrawn, or daydreamyInterrupts, talks excessively
Misses details, forgets tasksStruggles with self-control and impulsivity
Harder to diagnose (less visible)Often diagnosed earlier due to disruptive behaviour

Quiet ADHD and Social Impact

Children with inattentive ADHD may:

  • Be seen as shy, passive, or disengaged
  • Struggle with friendships due to withdrawal
  • Face low self-esteem if their struggles are overlooked

Adults with inattentive ADHD may:

  • Miss deadlines at work
  • Forget important appointments
  • Feel disorganised despite seeming calm

Diagnostic Criteria for Inattentive ADHD

According to NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries (CKS) and the DSM-5:

  • ADHD does not require hyperactivity for diagnosis.
  • Inattentive type is diagnosed when six or more symptoms of inattention are present.
  • Key features include: poor attention to detail, forgetfulness, disorganisation, and difficulty sustaining focus.

Why It’s Often Missed

  • Children with inattentive ADHD aren’t disruptive, so teachers may overlook symptoms.
  • Women are particularly underdiagnosed because their ADHD often presents as inattention rather than hyperactivity.

Should You Seek an ADHD Evaluation?

If you or your child struggle with:

  • Chronic forgetfulness
  • Difficulty staying organised
  • Trouble maintaining focus
    … it may be worth seeking an ADHD assessment.

For personal consultations on ADHD inattentive type, visit providers like ADHD Certify. For a deeper dive into the diagnostic criteria for inattentive ADHD and how it differs from hyperactive types, read our complete guide Hyperactivity. 

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Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

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