From the Guidelines
ADHD inattentive type is characterized by symptoms of inattention, such as poor attention to detail, difficulty concentrating, and organizational challenges, rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity, as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition 1. People with this type often seem forgetful, disorganized, and easily distracted, struggling to follow instructions, complete tasks, or pay attention to details, leading to careless mistakes. They frequently lose items, have trouble organizing activities, and appear not to listen when spoken to directly. These individuals often avoid tasks requiring sustained mental effort and are easily sidetracked by external stimuli or unrelated thoughts. Some key symptoms of ADHD inattentive type include:
- Poor attention to detail
- Difficulty concentrating or sustaining attention on tasks
- Organizational challenges, such as chronic lateness or messiness
- Reluctance to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Difficulty keeping track of personal belongings or items required for task completion
- Easily distracted
- Frequently forgetful Unlike the hyperactive-impulsive type, they typically don't exhibit excessive movement or impulsivity but instead may seem daydreamy or "spaced out." According to the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 1, treatment usually involves a comprehensive approach, including behavioral strategies and medication. However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 does not provide specific medication recommendations for ADHD inattentive type. It is essential to note that these symptoms result from differences in brain function affecting executive functioning, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, which regulates attention and task management, as suggested by the study 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
For the Inattentive Type, at least 6 of the following symptoms must have persisted for at least 6 months: lack of attention to details/careless mistakes, lack of sustained attention, poor listener, failure to follow through on tasks, poor organization, avoids tasks requiring sustained mental effort, loses things, easily distracted, forgetful ADHD Inattentive Type is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Lack of attention to details or careless mistakes
- Lack of sustained attention
- Being a poor listener
- Failure to follow through on tasks
- Poor organization
- Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort
- Frequently losing things
- Being easily distracted
- Being forgetful 2
From the Research
Characteristics of ADHD Inattentive Type
- The DSM-5 classifies three "presentations" of ADHD: predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I), predominantly hyperactive/impulsive type (ADHD-HI), or combined (ADHD-C) 3
- Individuals with ADHD-I may exhibit symptoms such as inattention and deficient impulse control, which can be measured using neuropsychological tests like the 5-Choice and Continuous Performance Tasks 3
- The effects of pharmacotherapies like amphetamine, methylphenidate, and atomoxetine on ADHD-I are not well understood, and it is unclear whether these medications have differential levels of efficacy across different presentation types 3
Treatment of ADHD Inattentive Type
- Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are efficacious in reducing core symptoms of ADHD, including inattention, but their efficacy in improving emotional and behavioral problems is less well understood 4
- Studies have shown that both methylphenidate and atomoxetine can improve executive functions in adults with ADHD, including spatial working memory and spatial planning 5
- Extended-release methylphenidate and amphetamine formulations, as well as atomoxetine, have been shown to be effective in improving symptoms of ADHD in adolescents, including those with ADHD-I 6
- Cognitive enhancers, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, may have limited direct clinical relevance for improving cognition in individuals with ADHD-I, and further research is needed to understand their effects 7