How ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has been categorised has changed over the years. While there used to be two types, there are now three types of ADHD. Interestingly, How the disorder is diagnosed in children and adults has also evolved. Here is everything you need to know.
From then to now
ADHD used to be known as two separate disorders, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). The main difference between the two was that one had the symptom of hyperactivity and the other did not. These days ADD is no longer diagnosed under that name; instead, ADHD has been categorised into three types, Inattentive, Hyperactive, and a combination of the two.
ADHD: Primarily inattentive
This type of ADHD was formerly known as ADD. It is more commonly diagnosed in girls and adults. Inattentive symptoms often go unnoticed, especially if they aren’t disturbing others. People with Inattentive ADHD can have the following symptoms:
- Frequent forgetfulness
- Tendency to procrastinate or avoid tasks that require a long period of mental effort (such as homework or work projects)
- Difficulty concentrating on tasks or activities
- Loses focus, gets side-tracked or distracted easily
- Struggles sustaining attention
- Has tendency to put off things and habit of losing vital things for daily routines and activities
- Has trouble paying attention and listening when others speak
- Makes careless mistakes
- Has difficulty following instructions and completing them as asked
- Has trouble organising tasks and activities
- Weak working memory
These symptoms may be noticed by teachers or employers as: careless mistakes, short attention span, poor listening skills, not following through, disorganisation, laziness, apathy, frequently loses things, is a ‘space cadet’, forgetful
ADHD: Primarily hyperactive and impulsive
This type of ADHD is more recognisable and is diagnosed more in men and children. Symptoms can include:
- Difficulty sitting quietly, staying still or in one place, staying seated
- Makes decisions or shops impulsively
- Has emotional outbursts
- Jumps in with their thoughts when others are talking
- Has difficulty waiting patiently or taking turns
- Squirms, taps hands and feet
- Is restless, has a tendency to run or climb when not appropriate
- Has trouble playing quietly or participating in relaxing activities
- Has a habit of finishing others’ sentences or giving an answer before someone finishes a question
- Has the constant need for movement
- Talks non-stop
- Blurts out answers
- Intrudes on others’ activities, uses others’ belongings without permission
- Has a lack of self-control
These symptoms may be noticed by teachers and employers as: fidgety, restless, noisy, talkative, impulsive, struggles to take turns, disruptive.
ADHD: Combination of inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive
To be diagnosed with the combined type of ADHD, children (people under 17 years of age) need to exhibit 6 of the 9 symptoms of each subtype in the diagnostic manual. Adults, at least five.
Getting a diagnosis
Make an appointment with a medical professional and share your or your child’s symptoms to assist the doctor in making a diagnosis. Children have to have some symptoms before age 12. Along with symptoms in at least two different settings (school and at home, for example) to be diagnosed. Other mental health conditions must also be ruled out (mood or anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality, and dissociative disorders). Anxiety and depression, and everyday stressors, could also affect symptoms. If you are undiagnosed as a child, you might not seek an answer until you have problems at work, school, and with relationships as an adult. Some have reported that ADHD symptoms seem to improve with age. Diagnosing accurately and early is key.
Other things worth noting
All types of ADHD types can have a significant impact on an individuals day to day functioning. They can all affect your lifestyle as a child and as an adult. Find a treatment plan that works for you, whether medication or therapy. Knowing which type of ADHD you have can assist you in living a more fulfilling life.