Different Types of ADHD
The classic symptoms of ADHD are characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Each person suffering from ADHD has their type and traits. The manifestations of ADHD are said to be multiple types with unique patterns and challenges. This understanding of the various types of ADHD helps in having a clearer picture of symptoms and the most appropriate treatment options.
What Are the Types of ADHD?
ADHD was once considered a single condition, but experts recognize various types broadly divided into three major categories today. Some sources even describe as many as seven different subtypes based on specific patterns of symptoms and behavioral characteristics. This article will examine the major types of ADHD and delve into the specific characteristics of each.
The 3 Core Types of ADHD
There are three major varieties of ADHD, according to the DSM-5 definition: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Predominantly Inattentive Type (ADD)
Most people with this type suffer from inattentive rather than hyperactive forms of ADHD. People may forget things, get disorganized, and get too easily distracted. Commonly known as ADD or simply Attention Deficit Disorder, this type of ADHD commonly goes unnoticed since it contains no outward manifestations of hyperactive behavior.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
People have high levels of hyperactivity and impulsivity but possibly without serious issues with attention. They might talk incessantly, interrupt others, and have difficulties staying still or sitting down. Children are diagnosed with this type more often due to the prominent nature of hyperactive behaviors in classes and social situations.
Combination Type
Patients with this type show features of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. This is the most common type of ADHD. Those suffering from this experience aspects of both inattention and hyperactive-impulsive behaviors. Those with combined ADHD might not be able to complete tasks, be organized, or hold impulses in check.
Learning the 7 Types of ADHD in Adults
In recent years, some specialists have found up to seven ADHD subtypes based on unique combinations of symptoms and brain functions. Here's a brief description of these seven types, along with the way they impact adults with ADHD:
Classic ADHD
The core symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. It manifests most commonly among children but can be carried into adult life. People have difficulty focusing and interrupt conversations often, get restless, or are impulsive easily.
Tip to Manage: Set timers and routines to focus on jobs individually.
Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is typically characterized mostly by inattention and, thus, often appears to be dreamy, disorganized, or an individual who procrastinates, loses items, or misses deadlines. It is notably common in adults because an individual may not have developed the hyperactivity that would otherwise be traditionally associated with having ADHD.
Tip to Manage: Set routines and visual reminders can be adopted to avoid distractions.
Overfocused ADHD
Individuals with overfocused ADHD "get stuck" on certain thoughts or tasks and become unable to switch easily. With this subtype, flexibility is a really important problem. They might have inflexibility because they appear unable to give an inch and as if they cannot compromise or get along well in any context or business.
Tip to Manage: Flexibility is encouraged by intentionally switching tasks or limiting the time devoted to one task to enhance flexibility.
Temporal Lobe ADHD
This type is usually associated with irregularities in the brain's temporal lobes and often includes symptoms such as mood instability, irritability, and even mild aggression. The individual will suffer from short-term memory loss and have trouble recalling recent conversations or details.
Tip to Manage: Utilize memory aids like journals or lists. Mood-stabilizing strategies, such as relaxation exercises or therapy, can sometimes be adopted.
Limbic ADHD
Limbic ADHD has chronic low energy and mood instability. This subtype is usually mistaken as depression. Those with this subtype are often unmotivated and often feel down, thus affecting their work and social life.
Tip to Manage: Focus on increasing energy through diet, sleep, and positive social interactions. One may engage in hobbies to improve mood.
Ring of Fire ADHD
It is also known as the ring of fire ADHD, and it has symptoms that resemble the appearance of brain activity in imaging studies. Some symptoms include irritability, overactivity, and hypersensitivity to sensory input. People are seen to be over-reactive emotionally and do not have control over the mood swings.
Tip to Manage: To reduce hypersensitivity, develop sensory management skills, such as noise-canceling headphones or breaks in quiet places.
Anxious ADHD
Anxious ADHD is a type of ADHD where people have symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. They display persistent uneasiness, worry, or fear accompanied by other ADHD symptoms. For instance, they become easily distracted and impatient; therefore, they are ineffective in focusing on work assignments or dealing with stressful issues.
Tip to Manage: Stress management is achieved by deep breathing and creating a calm environment to reduce anxiety.
Determining Your ADHD Type Tests and Diagnosis
Once you suspect you are suffering from ADHD, you'll meet various tests that assess the type of ADHD you're facing. Usually, it's a mental health expert who gives an ADHD-type test to identify patterns of symptoms and determine more closely what type of ADHD you're facing. The different types can be self-reporting questionnaires, observations on behavior, or interviews.
For those who still wonder whether they have any of the seven types, a visit to a specialty-trained ADHD expert is indicated. This expert can aid in the differential diagnosis process and rule out other mental conditions that might be masquerading as ADHD, including anxiety or depression.
7 Types of ADHD Tests
Various kinds of tests can help diagnose and understand the unique presentation of ADHD. Summed up below are seven types of ADHD that help identify ADHD subtypes:
Self-Report Questionnaires
These questionnaires are common, as they are designed to provide the person with insight into how often and how much their symptoms concern inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
Behavioral Observation Tests
In clinical settings, mental health professionals look for behaviors such as concentration on tasks and impulse control to identify the symptoms and type of ADHD.
Neuropsychological Testing
These tests assess cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, which help differentiate ADHD from similar disorders.
Continuous Performance Tests (CPT)
CPT tests are commonly used to measure attention and response control. They help assess focus and impulsivity, which helps identify inattentive or hyperactive types.
Executive Functioning Assessments
Executive functioning tests evaluate planning, organization, and time management. They can be useful in identifying inattentive or combined ADHD.
Emotional and Social Screening
Emotional assessments assess mood stability, sensitivity, and social behavior. These can be useful in the detection of symptoms that correlate with anxious or limbic types of ADHD.
ADHD-Specific Rating Scales
Scales such as the ADHD Rating Scale-IV (ADHD-RS) offer standardized evaluations of symptom severity, which may indicate predominant features of ADHD and their relative impact on the patient's daily life.
Thus, each of these tests contributes to a holistic understanding of the kind of ADHD an individual presents with, supporting a more targeted approach to treatment and management.
Types of ADHD Medications: What's Available?
Treatment for ADHD can include medication, which reduces symptoms significantly and helps with daily functioning. Medications for ADHD are typically classified into two categories:
Stimulants
The most common forms of treatment for ADHD are stimulant drugs, which include Adderall and Ritalin. These have the effect of raising dopamine levels in the brain and help individuals with ADHD to have more focus and control impulsivity and hyperactivity. Stimulants are generally effective for the various types of ADHD but are most often prescribed for classic and combined type ADHD.
Non-Stimulants
Non-stimulant options include drugs such as Strattera and Intuniv for individuals unresponsive to the stimulation. They work differently from stimulants since they can be prescribed depending on whether the ADHD diagnosis is overfocused or an anxious one. They support improving attention and impulse in a non-stimulated manner.
Choose one type of medication to fulfill the kind of individual or symptom and adverse reaction desired. Inevitably, such questions always direct the course on which doctors should turn for final prescribing decisions.
Conclusion:
Understanding the different types of ADHD can empower individual to seek appropriate treatment and coping mechanisms for their needs. Be it classic ADHD, overfocused ADHD, or any combination of types, understanding the pattern of symptoms helps an individual better manage ADHD and live well. By working closely with healthcare providers and exploring lifestyle adjustments, individuals with ADHD can find greater control over their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Q&A
Q1: Is it possible to have multiple forms of ADHD?
Someone might experience both forms of any ADHD type. For example, one may have inattentive ADHD but feature some characteristics of over-focused ADHD as well. That full-spectrum test to try for ADHD type will come to resolve overlapping symptoms.
Q2: Do official diagnostic criteria recognize the seven types of ADHD in Adults?
No, the DSM-5 officially recognizes three major subtypes of ADHD. Nonetheless, the seven-type model brings to light the specific variations in which ADHD symptoms manifest themselves, especially in adults.
Q3: Which type of ADHD do I have?
The best way to determine which type you have is to consult a mental health professional experienced in ADHD. They may use some tests, behavioral observations, and symptom assessments to give you a diagnosis.