Can Absence Seizures Present Like Inattentive ADHD? 

Absence seizures vs inattentive ADHD can sometimes be difficult to distinguish, as both conditions can involve brief staring spells and difficulty with attention. However, the causes of these behaviours are very different. Absence seizures vs inattentive ADHD are often misdiagnosed because the symptoms can appear similar, especially in children. 

Absence seizures are brief episodes of seizure activity that can cause a person to appear distracted or disconnected from their surroundings. These episodes often last only a few seconds and can be mistaken for inattentive ADHD, where the child may seem to be daydreaming or losing focus. However, while both conditions involve lapses in attention, seizure activity is a neurological issue, while ADHD is typically related to difficulties with attention regulation and impulse control. 

Common Symptoms: Absence Seizures vs Inattentive ADHD 

Brief Staring Spells 

Children with absence seizures may experience sudden brief staring spells, where they appear to “zone out” for a few seconds. This is often misinterpreted as inattentiveness, a common symptom of ADHD. 

Seizure Activity 

In absence seizures, the seizure activity is usually brief and may involve subtle physical signs, such as slight twitching or blinking, which are not seen in ADHD. 

Misdiagnosis Risk 

Due to the similarity in symptoms, there is a misdiagnosis risk when clinicians fail to recognise absence seizures as the cause of attention lapses, mistaking them for ADHD instead. 

Recognising the differences between absence seizures vs inattentive ADHD is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment, ensuring that children receive the appropriate care for their specific condition. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.   

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Rule-outs for other conditions.