ADHD and its three subtypes. A closer look at Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is marked by the three core symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity. Individuals with ADHD experience these symptoms at an unusually high level, which can lead to significant distress and impair their social, educational, or occupational functioning.

What are the three sub-types of ADHD?

The Inattentive Type

Inattention is a core symptom of ADHD and can be manifested as forgetfulness, distractibility, and a tendency to make careless mistakes.

Inattentive people often struggle to maintain focus, complete tasks, and organise their work. This can impact their job performance, as they may have difficulty managing time, produce disorganised work, and miss deadlines.

These individuals might frequently seem disengaged when others are speaking to them. In children, this can appear as daydreaming in class rather than paying attention. They may also find it challenging to stay focused on tasks or activities such as attending lectures, reading, or participating in conversations.

Inattentive individuals are easily distracted, which often leads to losing essential items needed for tasks or daily life, such as school papers, books, keys, wallets, cell phones, or eyeglasses. They may also forget to complete daily tasks like household chores and errands. Older teens and adults with this subtype might frequently forget to return phone calls, pay bills, or keep appointments.

The Hyperactive/Impulsive Type

The hyperactive/impulsive subtype of ADHD is characterised by near-constant movement and difficulty controlling behaviour. Hyperactivity involves excessive movement that is inappropriate for the setting, while impulsivity is seen in behaviours like interrupting others or answering questions before they are fully asked, thus intruding on conversations.

Hyperactive children display excessive motor activity that often cannot be regulated by social norms or direct instructions. They may frequently run and climb in inappropriate situations, and struggle to remain seated without fidgeting or playing quietly for extended periods. Impulsive children tend to talk excessively, frequently change the topic of conversation, and find it difficult to wait for their turn. They often act without thinking first, which can make them appear impatient to others.

Although hyperactivity typically decreases with age, some older teens and adults have hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, though the symptoms may present differently than in children. Instead of constant physical movement, they may exhibit restlessness or frequently jump from one activity to another.

These individuals are often perceived as very energetic and impatient with excessive talking and frequent interruptions, such as finishing other people’s sentences or not waiting their turn in conversations. They may also intrude on others’ activities, use others’ belongings without permission, or take over what someone else is doing.

The Combined type

The combined type is diagnosed when both criteria for both inattentive and hyperactive/impulse types are met.

The advantage of diagnosis and treatment in ADHD

According to the American Psychology Association, for many patients whose symptoms were overlooked during their early years, diagnosis can be both life changing, and bittersweet. Scientific studies show that people with a diagnosis reported a higher quality of life, which included metrics for work productivity, self-esteem, and functional performance.

Treatments include behavioural strategies with a psychologist for managing symptoms. There are cases where medication is prescribed in order to help manage symptoms.

How does the Online ADHD Test for Assessment & Report work?

Dr.Online’s Full ADHD Assessment is composed of 3 consultations. Our process is a multi-disciplinary approach involving psychology and psychometry, adding valuable insights and recommendations ensures a comprehensive and personalised approach for managing ADHD symptoms. Learn more here.