ADHD Inattention Symptoms

Understanding difficulties with attention, focus, and organization in ADHD

Inattention is one of the two main symptom categories in ADHD. These symptoms involve difficulties with focus, organization, and completing tasks that require sustained mental effort.

Core Inattention Symptoms

• Often fails to give close attention to details
• Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks
• Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
• Struggles to follow through on instructions
• Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
• Avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort
• Often loses necessary items
• Is easily distracted by external stimuli
• Is forgetful in daily activities

How Inattention Presents

Inattention can manifest in various ways:

• Missing important details in work or schoolwork
• Difficulty staying focused during lectures or meetings
• Problems with time management and deadlines
• Struggling to complete multi-step tasks
• Frequently misplacing important items
• Difficulty following conversations

Impact on Different Settings

Inattention symptoms can affect various areas:

• Academic performance
• Work productivity
• Daily household tasks
• Social relationships
• Personal organization
• Time management