When you hear the term “ADHD,” you might picture someone who has a hard time sitting still, someone who seems super energetic, someone who has trouble staying on task, or all of the above. However, what a lot of people don’t know is that there are three different types of ADHD that all present in different ways. The symptoms of ADHD aren’t always outwardly obvious and will affect people in many different ways.
When diagnosed with ADHD, a person is usually classified into one of three types: Hyperactive-Impulsive, Inattentive, or Combined.
Each type of ADHD has its own set of symptoms, which can affect your ability to focus, your energy levels, and how you function in everyday life. Here, we’ll go over what each type looks like, what makes them different, and how they might impact a person.
What is ADHD?
Before we get into the types, lets quickly discuss what exactly ADHD is. ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults.
ADHD is a chronic condition that is characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It can significantly impact an individual’s emotions, behaviors, and ability to learn new things.
What Are the Types of ADHD?
ADHD is divided into three types:
- Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
- Predominantly Inattentive ADHD
- Combined ADHD
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD often involves a lot of physical and mental energy. This type is more commonly diagnosed in children as the symptoms can be more “obvious” but can also be diagnosed later in adulthood.
ADHD Symptoms of Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD:
- Fidgeting or squirming a lot
- Feeling restless or “on the go” all the time
- Talking a lot or loudly
- Interrupting others often
- Having trouble waiting your turn
- Acting without thinking, like blurting things out
How It Affects Daily Life
For adults, these symptoms can show up as restlessness in meetings, interrupting others without meaning to, or struggling to sit still for long. You may also find it tough to unwind even after a long day, and social situations can sometimes be challenging because you’re not always able to hold back thoughts or actions.
In children, this type of ADHD will often result in them struggling in school due to the inability to sit still and listen for extended periods of time.
Ways to Manage
Finding a way to release energy through regular physical activity can help with some symptoms. Practicing mindfulness and working with behavioral strategies can also help you control impulsive actions and stay focused.
Behavior therapy is another effective method for managing hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms.
Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is often overlooked, especially in adults, because it doesn’t come with the hyperactive symptoms that tend to stand out more. People with this type usually struggle most with staying focused and organized.
Symptoms of Inattentive ADHD:
- Trouble focusing on tasks or conversations due to inattentive symptoms
- Misplacing things like keys or phones often
- Tuning out during conversations
- Missing important details or making careless mistakes
- Forgetting daily tasks or appointments
- Avoiding tasks that require a lot of focus
How It Affects Daily Life
Adults with Inattentive ADHD may find it hard to get things done on time or keep their workspace organized. You might feel overwhelmed by tasks that require concentration and have a hard time following through. Even everyday tasks, like paying bills or attending meetings, can feel like a big hurdle.
This type of ADHD can often go unnoticed in children. Since this type of ADHD doesn’t present “hyperactive” symptoms, it can often be misdiagnosed as other mental disorders such as depression.
Ways to Manage
Using planners, reminders, and digital tools can help keep you on track. Breaking tasks down into smaller steps and creating routines can also make it easier to stay focused and productive.
Getting diagnosed with this form of ADHD is often a huge piece of the puzzle for people. Once someone is validated in their symptoms, it can become a lot easier to create a plan and to learn tools that will help combat symptoms.
Combined Type ADHD
Combined Type ADHD is when you experience symptoms of both hyperactivity and inattention. This is actually the most common type of ADHD and combines traits of the other two types.
Symptoms of Combined ADHD:
If you have Combined ADHD, you might have a mix of symptoms from both the Hyperactive-Impulsive and Inattentive types, like:
- Restlessness and fidgeting
- Trouble paying attention to details and completing tasks
- Losing things frequently
- Interrupting or blurting things out
- Struggling with time management and organization
How It Affects Daily Life
With Combined ADHD, you may juggle lots of projects but find it hard to see them through to the end. You may also find yourself starting tasks with enthusiasm but losing interest halfway through. This type of ADHD can make both work and social situations challenging because you’re dealing with both focus and impulse control issues.
Ways to Manage
For Combined ADHD, a combination of tools and strategies usually work best. Physical activity can help manage hyperactivity while using organization tools, and breaking tasks down can help with attention and focus.
It is important to remember that symptoms will present differently from person to person. Working with a healthcare professional or counselor who is knowledgeable about ADHD can help people develop coping tools that work for them.
ADHD in Different Age Groups
Now that we have gone over the three main types of ADHD, it is also important to look at how ADHD affects different age groups. ADHD can affect individuals of all ages, from children to adults. Children with ADHD may exhibit symptoms such as difficulty paying attention, following instructions, and completing tasks. They may also be easily distracted, forgetful, and disorganized.
Adults with ADHD may experience similar symptoms, as well as difficulties with time management, organization, and self-regulation. In addition, adults with ADHD may also experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Adults who get diagnosed later in life may have already developed coping tools out of necessity to mask the fact that they are struggling.
ADHD Diagnosis and Assessment
If someone is struggling with symptoms of ADHD or symptoms that they suspect might be related to ADHD, getting an assessment can be the first step toward clarity.
Diagnosing ADHD requires a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. The assessment and diagnostic process typically takes a thorough look at a person’s medical history and a review of the individual’s symptoms and behavior patterns. Symptoms are assessed through multiple diagnostic tools such as The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5)
A diagnosis of ADHD is based on the presence of persistent symptoms that have occurred over a period of time and are noticeable over the past six months. Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective management and treatment.
Final Thoughts
ADHD affects everyone differently, and understanding different types of ADHD is essential for getting the proper tools and treatment needed. Getting an ADHD assessment and proper diagnosis is often the first step toward getting life-changing care.