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Are my memory problems just ADHD? 

PostedOctober 17, 2025
UpdatedOctober 18, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

If you’ve noticed regular forgetfulness, missed details, or a mind that constantly blanks you might wonder: are these ADHD memory issues, or something else entirely? While ADHD is a common cause of memory struggles, it’s not the only explanation. That’s why proper assessment is so important. 

People with ADHD often face working memory challenges: the ability to hold and use information in real-time. These lapses can look like absent-mindedness but are actually rooted in cognitive impairment tied to how the ADHD brain filters, stores, and retrieves information. 

Get your ADHD test

When It Might Be More Than ADHD 

Here are a few reasons ADHD memory issues could be mistaken for or overlap with other conditions: 

Misdiagnosis risk  

Symptoms like forgetfulness, distractibility, and zoning out also appear in depression, anxiety, and even early cognitive decline. 

Sudden or worsening symptoms  

If your memory issues appeared recently or are rapidly intensifying, it’s worth exploring other causes. 

Age-related factors  

Memory changes that develop later in life may not be due to ADHD especially if you weren’t diagnosed earlier. 

Co-existing conditions  

It’s possible to have ADHD and another condition impacting memory, such as anxiety or sleep disorders. 

In conclusion, getting clarity means working with a professional who understands the full picture.  

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation. 

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Zoning out & Forgetfulness in ADHD.  

 

Get your ADHD test
Avery Lombardi, MSc, author for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Avery Lombardi, MSc
Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
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.