Inattention and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Inattention related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is having a shorter-than-expected attention span based on a person's age. People with symptoms of inattention often have problems with:

• Listening when spoken to directly.
• Being easily distracted and staying on task. For example, a person may fail to finish projects or make careless mistakes related to schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace despite having understood instructions and shown a willingness to do the work.
• Being forgetful. They might lose things that are needed for tasks or activities, such as toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools.
• Avoiding, disliking, or being reluctant to do tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework.
• Overconcentrating on certain activities that do not tax their attention, such as television or computer games. It may be hard to get them to stop and do something else.