Predominantly Inattentive ADHD

Predominantly inattentive ADHD (formerly known as 'attention deficit disorder without hyperactivity,' or ADD) is the presentation of the condition characterized mainly by inattention symptoms, with minimal or absent hyperactivity and impulsivity.

This type is frequently underdiagnosed because it doesn't cause visible disruption in the classroom or workplace — the inattentive child quietly 'daydreaming' rarely bothers a teacher the way a classmate who can't stop moving does. Girls with ADHD present with the inattentive type more often, contributing to the historical gap in female diagnosis.

Symptoms include: seeming not to listen when spoken to directly, not finishing tasks, frequently losing things, making careless mistakes, struggling to get organized, forgetting appointments, and avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort.