Key takeaways

  • ADHD is categorized into three main types based on the primary symptoms: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined, with the combined type being the most common.
  • While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, its symptoms can persist into adulthood, although they may change over time.
  • Although there is no cure for ADHD, treatments like medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes can help individuals manage their symptoms.

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may experience hyperactiveness, impulsiveness, and inattentiveness. The frequency of these individual symptoms will determine which type of ADHD a doctor will diagnose.

This article explains the three symptoms of the different types of ADHD. It also explores what causes ADHD, how doctors diagnose the condition, treatment options, and more.

A person with predominantly inattentive type ADHD does not usually experience sufficient hyperactivity or impulsivity for consideration for the other types. Instead, they will experience inattention.

Signs that might suggest someone is experiencing inattention include:

  • having trouble staying focused on tasks or activities
  • getting quickly bored with a task or activity and having difficulties completing it
  • seemingly not listening when spoken to
  • having difficulty following instructions
  • showing signs of forgetfulness and making simple mistakes
  • trouble with organization and planning ahead
  • frequently losing or misplacing belongings
  • not enjoying study or prolonged periods of mental effort

If a person has predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, they will experience hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

They do not experience enough inattentiveness for the other types.

Impulsivity

Signs that someone is experiencing impulsivity include:

  • having difficulty waiting their turn
  • often interrupting others
  • blurting out answers or inappropriate things rather than waiting to hear the question or to be called upon
  • problems controlling powerful emotions, which can lead to anger issues
  • taking risks and not understanding the consequences of their actions

Learn more about ADHD and impulsivity.

Hyperactivity

If someone experiences hyperactivity, they may be showing signs of:

  • constantly fidgeting or squirming
  • having difficulty sitting down and staying still
  • talking all the time
  • constantly moving around, including running and climbing

Combined type is the most common type of ADHD.

Combined type ADHD can include symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Learn more about combined type ADHD.

ADHD is a developmental disorder, meaning that it starts in childhood. However, people with ADHD may still exhibit symptoms in adulthood, many years after initial diagnosis. Some people may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood.

A person’s symptoms may also change with age. For example, hyperactivity often occurs less frequently in adulthood. However, adults may still experience:

The exact cause of ADHD is unclear. However, researchers believe that it may be due to a combination of genetics and environmental factors.

Learn more about what can cause ADHD.

To assist with diagnosing ADHD, a qualified health professional needs to gather detailed information about the individual and the symptoms they experience.

In general, to receive a diagnosis of ADHD, symptoms must:

  • be present for at least 6 months
  • take place in at least two settings, such as at school and at home
  • affect the individual’s ability to function at work, in school, or in social settings

Parents, carers, and teachers may need to give a detailed history of the individual’s behavior. The doctor will also observe the individual’s behavior and may recommend psychological tests, which they use to identify and assess potential learning disabilities.

There is no cure for ADHD. However, various treatments can help people manage the disorder.

The type of treatment healthcare professionals recommend will depend on a variety of things, including:

  • personal preferences
  • the age of the person
  • the severity of the symptoms
  • whether they have undergone different treatments before

Medication

Drugs can help manage symptoms by balancing the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for attention and controlling impulses. A doctor may recommend stimulants or nonstimulants.

Learn more about the different medications for ADHD.

Therapy

Therapy can seek to address any social, behavioral, and emotional issues the person may experience.

Behavioral therapy can include working in small groups or one-on-one to help the person develop the social skills that will help them interact with others.

Often, therapy can form part of the school program for children with ADHD. Therefore, parents and caregivers can discuss this option with the doctor and school to determine the best way forward.

Other tips

People can make habitual changes to help manage ADHD, including:

  • ensuring proper exercise and sleep
  • establishing a routine for children with ADHD and sticking to it
  • observing and listening to a child with ADHD to look for triggers
  • organizing daily tasks and breaking them down into more manageable steps

As the cause of ADHD is unclear, it is not possible to prevent the condition.

However, following a suitable treatment plan can help manage the condition. A person’s doctor can advise on what steps they can take according to the type of ADHD they have and the symptoms they experience.

There are three types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): predominantly inattentive, predominantly impulsive/hyperactive, and combined presentation.

Doctors diagnose the different types depending on the common symptoms a person experiences.

Symptoms of ADHD are typically most noticeable in childhood and adolescence. However, some people may experience ADHD symptoms in adulthood.

Medications and therapy are the primary treatments for ADHD.