Can ADHD Cause Forgetfulness? 

Forgetfulness is one of the most common and often misunderstood symptoms of ADHD. According to NICE NG87 guidance and NHS ADHD advice, many adults and children with ADHD experience frequent lapses in memory and attention that stem from how ADHD affects the brain’s executive and emotional regulation systems. 

How ADHD Affects Memory and Organisation 

ADHD isn’t just about distraction it disrupts the brain’s ability to plan, organise, and remember information. This happens because of changes in the prefrontal cortex, the area that manages working memory and attention control. 

As highlighted by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (CR235) and recent PubMed research, up to 80% of people with ADHD show measurable working memory deficits. These deficits make it harder to hold onto information, recall tasks, or manage multiple steps at once leading to everyday forgetfulness like misplaced items, missed appointments, or unfinished tasks. 

The Emotional Side of Forgetfulness 

Recent studies show that forgetfulness in ADHD isn’t only a cognitive issue, it’s also influenced by emotional regulation. According to the NHS Dorset Neurodiversity Service and Frontiers in Psychology (2025), emotional dysregulation rapid mood shifts, frustration, or impulsivity can worsen memory lapses. 

When emotions are intense, the brain’s attention and working memory systems are overloaded. This explains why people with ADHD may forget what they were doing after an argument, lose focus under stress, or struggle to recall information during emotional situations. Emotional regulation and memory are two sides of the same executive function coin. 

Clinical Guidance: Managing ADHD Forgetfulness 

NICE, NHS, and RCPsych recommend a multimodal approach to managing forgetfulness and related executive challenges in ADHD: 

• Medication (stimulant or non-stimulant): improves attention and working memory and may also help regulate emotional responses. 

• Psychoeducation includes learning how ADHD affects memory helps individuals adapt routines and reduce frustration. 

• Behavioural and emotional strategies like reminders, planners, and mindfulness techniques supports both memory and emotional stability. 

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and ADHD coaching build coping strategies for focus, organisation, and mood control. 

• Lifestyle supports such as exercise, consistent sleep, and structured routines strengthen both memory and emotional regulation over time. 

These approaches are backed by high-quality meta-analyses including Soler-Gutiérrez et al. (2025), which confirmed moderate-to-large impairments in emotional and cognitive regulation across all age groups. 

Where to Get Support 

If forgetfulness or emotional overwhelm is affecting your daily life, a formal ADHD assessment can help identify your cognitive and emotional patterns. You can explore your options with ADHD Certify, a trusted UK-based provider offering affordable online ADHD assessments for adults and children, along with ongoing medication reviews and support. 

Takeaway 

ADHD-related forgetfulness is a product of both working memory deficits and emotional regulation challenges not a sign of carelessness or lack of effort. With the right treatment, structure, and emotional support, most people see meaningful improvements in focus, memory, and everyday functioning. 

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.