What Are the 9 Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD?

Inattentive ADHD is a subtype of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder defined by ongoing problems with focus, memory, and organisation. According to the DSM-5, there are nine core symptoms of inattentive ADHD.

These symptoms may look very different in adults vs. children, which is why many people—especially women—go undiagnosed for years. Recognising the signs early can help with accurate diagnosis and support.

Quick Answer: The 9 Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD

The nine DSM-5 symptoms of inattentive ADHD are:

1. Careless mistakes or lack of attention to detail
2. Difficulty sustaining attention
3. Trouble listening when spoken to
4. Not following through on tasks or instructions
5. Difficulty organising tasks and activities
6. Avoiding tasks requiring sustained effort
7. Frequently losing necessary items
8. Being easily distracted
9. Forgetfulness in daily activities

Detailed Breakdown of Each Symptom

1. Often fails to pay close attention to details

• Adults: Overlook small errors in emails, misread invoices, or forget to double-check documents.
• Children: Skip steps in maths, rush through homework, or make unnecessary spelling mistakes.

2. Difficulty sustaining attention

• Adults: Struggle to focus in meetings, zone out when reading, or lose track during films.
• Children: Daydream in class, give up on reading, or leave assignments incomplete.

3. Trouble listening when spoken to directly

• Adults: Frequently ask people to repeat instructions or miss key points in conversations.
• Children: Seem distracted or “in their own world,” even when addressed directly.

4. Doesn’t follow through on instructions or fails to finish tasks

• Adults: Start projects but leave them unfinished, struggle with forms or errands.
• Children: Leave homework incomplete, forget to tidy up toys, or abandon chores.

5. Difficulty organising tasks and activities

• Adults: Forget appointments, maintain messy desks, or miss key steps in multi-step tasks.
• Children: Forget school supplies, lose track of routines, or struggle with homework planning.

6. Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort

• Adults: Procrastinate on reports, emails, or admin work.
• Children: Resist studying, complain about homework, or avoid test preparation.

7. Frequently loses items necessary for tasks

• Adults: Misplace phones, glasses, wallets, or important documents.
• Children: Forget lunch boxes, pencil cases, or their school bag.

8. Easily distracted by external stimuli

• Adults: Lose focus because of text messages or background noise.
• Children: Get distracted by classmates, noises, or visual distractions in class.

9. Forgetfulness in daily activities

• Adults: Miss appointments, forget bills, or skip scheduled calls.
• Children: Leave homework at home or forget to bring items needed for school.

Why Diagnosis Matters

Inattentive ADHD symptoms are often overlooked, especially in adults and women, because they are less disruptive than hyperactive symptoms. However, the impact can be significant:

• Missed career opportunities
• Strained relationships
• Chronic stress and low self-esteem

A proper diagnosis leads to tailored support, effective coping strategies, and improved daily functioning.

If these symptoms sound familiar, consider booking an ADHD evaluation with a qualified professional.

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Read our full guide: What is Inattentive ADHD