We know that when most people picture ADHD symptoms, the first one that typically comes to mind is boundless energy. But what if we said this isn’t always the case for everyone? 

Understanding how symptoms of ADHD change from person to person means you’re able to better spot the signs of it in yourself or a loved one. As such, we’re here to clarify whether ADHD without hyperactivity is possible.

By the end of this blog, you’ll know if someone with ADHD can not be hyperactive, as well as how to tell if you’re showing signs of ADHD without the hyperactive element.

Can Someone With ADHD Not Be Hyperactive?

Yes – ADHD without hyperactivity absolutely exists. As such, a person with ADHD might not be hyperactive. 

In fact, there are 2.5 million people with ADHD in the UK. Inattentive-type ADHD makes up 20% to 30% of that figure, according to ADHD UK. We call this type of ADHD that doesn’t feature hyperactivity ‘Inattentive ADHD’, occasionally referred to as ADD, in short.

People with Inattentive ADHD may not seem restless or high-energy, but they still face the challenges a person with the more well-known type of ADHD would.

What Is Inattentive ADHD?

Inattentive-type ADHD is still a form of ADHD. It just affects the person a bit differently than the hyperactive type does.

For example, ADHD without hyperactivity typically presents more challenges to focus, attention, and organisation, instead of the impulsive tendencies.  A person with Inattentive ADHD might still experience hyperactivity or impulsivity, but it’s typically in smaller doses.

A person with inattentive-type ADHD might find themselves easily distracted, struggle with managing their time, or have trouble paying close attention to details.

7 Common ADHD Inattentive Symptoms

While inattentive ADHD is slightly different, the symptoms still affect the individual on a day-to-day basis. 

As it usually affects a person’s ability to manage time or pay attention, you’ll notice a few symptoms to look out for, typically including: 

  1. Frequent mistakes while completing a task 
  2. Difficulty listening to other people
  3. Finding long tasks hard to focus on (reading, watching a presentation)
  4. Carrying out obligations
  5. Struggling with distractions, especially during longer tasks
  6. Remembering to complete regular tasks (tidying up, picking up milk on the way home, attending GP appointments)
  7. Losing smaller, everyday items, such as keys, earphones, wallet, or phone

 

It’s important to note that while these are some common inattentive ADHD symptoms, not everyone will experience them all. Just like any other condition, inattentive ADHD is unique to the individual.

How Does Inattentive ADHD Affect People?

Inattentive-type ADHD can affect people in various ways, whether it’s in school, at work, or even just at home. 

For example, a person with inattentive ADHD may struggle with misunderstandings in social settings or might find it hard to engage in social events at all. When they do make friends, they may find it hard to maintain them. 

For children with inattentive-type ADHD, school can present a particularly difficult challenge. Completing homework or coursework on time can seem impossible, while they may also struggle to pay attention during class. 

Managing the symptoms of inattentive ADHD can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. If you notice you’re struggling with your mental health as a result of ADHD, then see your GP as soon as possible. 

How ADHD Diagnosis Helps Reduce Anxiety

When you’re experiencing symptoms of ADHD, not knowing what’s going on can only make the anxiety feel worse – that’s where it’s important to receive a diagnosis. 

Once you have that crucial ADHD diagnosis, it can alleviate the pressure of not knowing why you feel this way. A diagnosis means you can begin switching the narrative from feelings of self-doubt about perceived ‘failures’ to an understanding of why you feel the way you do. 

Not only that, but a diagnosis means you can start receiving additional support to help make day-to-day tasks easier. Whether it’s medication, therapy, or adjustments in school or work, there are plenty of methods available to help you manage the symptoms.

Do I Have Inattentive ADHD?

If you’re wondering whether you or a loved one has inattentive ADHD, being aware of the symptoms puts you in the best position to get help sooner. 

Once you know what to look out for, try asking yourself these questions to identify a potential inattentive ADHD condition: 

  • Do your friends ever tell you a fake early time to arrive for plans in an attempt to get you there on time?
  • Do you notice you lose or misplace your personal belongings a lot? These items may include a phone, keys, wallet, or earphones.
  • Are quiet spaces with no one else around better for you to work in? 
  • Are you frequently distracted by things happening around you?
  • Do you find it takes you longer to complete tasks given at work than it does for your coworkers?
  • Do family and friends often complain that you talk over them too much or take control of conversations?

 

One thing to be aware of is what ADHD looks like in women, as the way the condition presents can be slightly different for some women than it is for men. 

You can take our online ADHD test to get a better understanding of whether you show signs of the condition.

What Should I Do If I Think I Have Inattentive ADHD?

If you’ve noticed inattentive ADHD symptoms in yourself or a loved one, or answered yes to a lot of the questions above, the best thing to do is arrange an ADHD test.

You can do this through your local GP. All you need to do is book an appointment to speak to your doctor. They’ll likely ask you a few questions before referring you to a specialist to assess you for the condition. 

We know NHS waiting lists can be quite lengthy, leaving you wondering what’s happening for longer than you’d like. As such, we offer our own private ADHD assessment tests for adults. 

As ADHD can present differently for women, we also provide ADHD assessments for women to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

How Is Inattentive ADHD Diagnosed?

Diagnosing inattentive-type ADHD involves a few different steps to ensure you’re getting the results that best reflect what you’re experiencing. 

At Neuro Affinity, we break it down into six simple steps. Attending an assessment can feel a little daunting, but knowing what to expect can make it less daunting. So, let’s go through the six diagnosis steps together. 

 

Step 1: Initial Screening – You’ll be sent questionnaires and rating scales to evaluate ADHD symptoms and their impact. 

Step 2: Additional Background Information – We gather information from family members or parents to better understand your symptoms. 

Step 3: Clinical Review – An ADHD clinician will assess you face-to-face or on video call. They’ll look into when symptoms began, their impact, and family history. Typically lasting 90 to 120 minutes. 

Step 4: Psychological Testing – We may recommend psychological testing to assess cognitive function and attention. You may need a QB test here (additional fees apply). 

Step 5: Diagnostic Decision – Your information will now be used to create a diagnostic decision according to criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.Step 6: Receive your Report – You’ll receive your ADHD report within 7 working days of your ADHD feedback appointment. This will include clinical diagnosis and potential treatment, if applicable.

Neuro Affinity Helps You Get Your ADHD Test Quickly

Here at Neuro Affinity, we believe everyone deserves accessible, reliable, timely support for ADHD and Autism. 

Our private ADHD assessments include specialised testing for children, adults, and women, getting you the most accurate answer without having to wait. Interested? Get in touch with us today to arrange an appointment. 

You can contact us via phone on 0776 856 5162 or send an email to enquiries@neuroaffinity.co.uk. Alternatively, you can fill out our online booking form for a callback

If you want to learn more about ADHD, you can find tips for parenting a child with ADHD or how untreated ADHD is linked to depression over on our blog. 

Picture of Talhah Malik

Talhah Malik

Dr Talhah Malik is a Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist specialising in ADHD and autism. He leads secure inpatient services, provides medico-legal assessments, and is passionate about evidence-based, person-centred care.