#types of adhd

[my-autism-adhd-blog]

ADHD Subtypes

ADHD: Inattentive vs. ADHD-Hyperactive

Neurodivergent Insights

[tfw-adhd]

So I know you've mentioned ADHD-PI, but is there a type of ADHD that centers more around hyperactivity? 'Cause I don't do as much of the attention deficient stuff as I do hyperactivity/impulsiveness.

Yeah, there’s three types of ADHD: 

ADHD-Primarily Inattentive ADHD-Combined ADHD-Primarily Hyperactive

PI is more common in AFAB people, though they can get any of the types. If you think you don’t fit the internal hyperactivity / daydreaming part, then you might be Primarily Hyperactive. If you do, but think that the hyperactivity is more of a pain / equally noticeable, then you probably have the combined type.

[actuallyadhd]

Question for ya

I was recently diagnosed with type 6 adhd (I was diagnosed with adhd as a child but thru some recent “counseling” was told that this was the type I have). At the time I wasn’t really sure what it was. Now that I’m reading about it. Well. It’s definitely me. However now I feel like I’m a freak or something. Talking to docs is pointless for me as they all seem to annoy the shit outta me. I don’t like the meds and the only thing that seems to work is illegal in my state though medically is available. Just not with adhd. To be honest. I’m just looking for more information about it (type 6) and to know I’m not alone in this. Thank you for taking the time to read this 🙃

Sent September 1, 2018

Okay, so I’m going to guess that Type 6 is thanks to Dr Amen, and it’s “Ring of Fire ADHD.” You should know that Dr Amen’s types of ADHD are not officially recognized and don’t make a lot of sense. It is far more likely that you have Inattentive ADHD, Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD, or Combined ADHD plus one or two comorbid disorders. For more about the three official types of ADHD (as found in the DSM), see this post.

Based on my reading about this type, you’re looking at comorbid ADHD, bipolar disorder, and sensory processing disorder (SPD). Amen says on his site that this type of ADHD doesn’t do well on stimulants alone, which makes sense because stimulants can trigger mania and heighten sensory issues if anxiety is increased.

Good places to look for credible information will be ADDitude magazine (though they keep giving airtime to Amen for some reason) and sites that have information about SPD and bipolar disorder. You will definitely be able to find people who have both ADHD and bipolar disorder (I have a good friend who has both), and likely many of them will have some sensory stuff going on as well. I’m sure that I have followers who can also relate to you, so be sure to check the notes on this post!

-J

(Please note that any sarcasm etc. you see in my response here is not meant for the person who asked the question—rather, it is specifically directed toward Amen and those who irresponsibly spread his woo. For more about why Amen is a quack, see this post by a neuroscientist.)

[actuallyadhd]

How does primarily hyperactive type ADHD generally present in adults? Most of the resources I've found online either focus on inattentive and combined types, or only talk about the symptoms in children.

Generally it seems like restlessness, fidgeting and excessive talking are some of the most common symptoms adults deal with. They may also have a lot more energy than most people or have trouble laying down to go to sleep. They also would deal with a lot of the impulsive symptoms that kids do, just in different ways due to adult situations and maturing.  -C

[actuallyadhd]

Hey, I wonder if it's possible to have the inattentive type with impulsive symptoms? Or does that make me the combined type? I know that I habe all the symptoms of the inattentive type. (the one I got diagnosed as a child) I don't really have the hyperactive symptoms but I think a lot of the impulsive ones. It actually really sucks, because everyone thinks it's your behavior... (sorry for the English, it's not my native language :) )

Most people with ADHD have symptoms of both types, regardless of what type they are. What type your ADHD is considered is just based on how many symptoms of that type you have and how much those symptoms affect you. It’s totally possible to have a bunch of inattentive and impulsive symptoms, but not many hyperactive ones. -C

[actuallyadhd]

For the Anon who asked about ADHD and hyperactivity: ADHD is actually the current clinical term for the disorder whereas it is broken up into three categories: mostly inattentive, mostly hyperactive, or combined type, where the person exhibits symptoms of both. Anon may have mostly inattentive type (I do) and should not be afraid to seek a professional opinion or diagnosis. Good luck!

This is spot on. Some of the most common questions we get are people wondering if they can have ADHD without hyperactivity, what hyperactivity entails exactly and people having concerns about doctors/their parents/their teachers not believing they have ADHD because they aren’t hyperactive in a stereotypical way.

The one thing that I’ll add is that it’s also pretty normal for people who have inattentive type to have a few hyperactive symptoms (but not enough to warrant a combined diagnosis) and vice versa. For example, I’m diagnosed with inattentive type, but I sometimes talk excessively, can be a little hyperactive at times and can be very impatient. However, those symptoms aren’t as severe for me, don’t interfere with my life as much as my inattentive ones.-C

[jeanjauthor]

What Are the 3 Types of ADHD?

The DSM-V identifies three types of ADHD: primarily hyperactive-impulsive, primarily inattentive, and combined type. Each presentation is distinguished by a distinct set of behavioral symptoms that…

[ilshospitals]

The 3 Different Types Of ADHD You Should Know About

ILS Hospitls one of the best hospitals in Kolkata provides good treatment for people suffering from the three different types of ADHD. Take a look at their symptoms.