Identifying And Explaining 7 Types Of ADHD

Medically reviewed by Paige Henry, LMSW, J.D. and Julie Dodson, MA, LCSW
Updated October 12, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADD/ADHD) is a mental health condition that can cover a wide array of symptoms and behaviors. Read on to learn more about how to identify the seven types of ADD proposed by Dr. Daniel Amen, a nationally recognized psychiatrist and clinical neurologist, and gain a general understanding of each type.

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Is your child experiencing one of the seven types of ADHD?

What is ADHD?

According to the Centers for Disease Control, ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders seen during childhood. Studies show that individuals with ADHD may have reduced blood flow in certain areas of the brain responsible for emotional control, impulse control, and attention.

ADHD and risk factors for mental health

The disorder is frequently diagnosed during childhood and often persists into adulthood. The exact cause and risk factors for developing ADHD are unknown, but research shows that the following elements may play a role:

  • Genetics (the leading contributor, according to modern research)
  • Maternal alcohol, substance, or tobacco use during pregnancy
  • Exposure to environmental risks like heavy metals during pregnancy or childhood
  • Premature birth and low birth weight
  • Brain injury

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

ADHD vs. ADD: Why terminology evolves past outdated terms

According to the Child Mind Institute, the mental health industry has stopped using attention deficit disorder (ADD) as a diagnosis. Instead, the diagnosis is simply ADHD; some children with this disorder experience hyperactivity while others do not. 

What doctors say about the ADHD brain

“The bottom line is that the diagnosis of ADHD can still apply even if a child doesn’t have hyperactive or impulsive behaviors. That can be confusing for parents. It’s especially crucial that kids with prominent inattentive symptoms of ADHD are still evaluated by a trained clinician, as these children could be more likely to be overlooked at school.” —Dave Anderson, Ph.D., Child Mind Institute

Typical symptoms of the 7 types of ADHD include:

  • Difficulty concentrating or short attention span
  • Trouble controlling impulsive behaviors
  • Hyperactivity
  • Disorganization and problems with follow-through
  • Symptoms may cause trouble at home, school, and with friends
  • Careless mistakes
  • Distractibility
  • Unnecessary risks
  • Difficulty taking turns
  • Frequent squirming, fidgeting, or inability to be still
  • Often forgets or loses things
  • Challenges with resisting temptation

Exploring 7 types of ADHD

The American Psychiatric Association lists three ways ADHD presents itself: predominantly inattentive (sometimes referred to as inattentive ADD), predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, or ADHD combined type. However, Dr. Daniel Amen, a noted psychiatrist and ADHD specialist, proposed guidelines to establish seven types of ADHD, which are explained below.

1. Classic attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

This is the most common type of ADHD. According to Dr. Amen, classic ADD symptoms in children include colicky, active, wiggly babies and restless, talkative, impulsive children. Hyperactive, conflict-driven behavior often demands attention. Parents may feel exhausted and overwhelmed by their child’s nonstop, difficult-to-control behaviors. 

Dr. Amen uses brain scans to study the disorder, and his research shows that classic ADHD often involves decreased activity in parts of the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Abnormalities in these brain structures affect the brain’s production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter related to attention, motivation, and the body’s idle speed.

Symptoms of classic ADD may include:

  • Trouble listening when others talk
  • Boundless energy, as though powered by a motor
  • Constant movement and preference for physical activity
  • Tendency to be noisy
  • Excessive talking
  • Frequent interruptions
  • Chronic low level sadness that is not depression

2. Inattentive

Inattentive ADHD is the second most common type, according to Dr. Amen’s research. People with this kind of ADHD tend to have quieter, more introverted personalities and may frequently daydream, leading them to be labeled unmotivated, slow, or lazy. Because there are fewer behavioral problems with this type of ADHD, it is often missed. Brain scans show the same decreased activity as classic ADHD.

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In addition to many of the core symptoms and characteristics listed above, people with inattentive ADHD may experience:

  • Trouble focusing
  • No hyperactivity
  • Difficulty paying attention when others talk
  • Tendency to lose items and possessions
  • Time management problems
  • Poor attention to detail
  • Frequent daydreaming and complaints of boredom
  • Unmotivated, apathetic, or preoccupied appearance
  • Sluggish or slow movements and persistent fatigue

3. Overfocused

Focus requires the ability to shift your attention to a new activity at will. However, for people with overfocused ADHD (also called over-focused ADD), this can prove to be a substantial challenge. Rather than being unable to pay attention, this type of ADHD involves becoming hyper-focused on a topic while tuning out everything around them. Brain scans show increased activity at rest and concentration in the anterior cingulate gyrus region of the brain, along with the previously mentioned decreased activity. 

In addition to many of the core symptoms and characteristics listed above, people with overfocused ADHD may experience:

  • Senseless or excessive worrying
  • Tendency to get stuck in negative thought loops
  • Oppositional or argumentative personality traits
  • Compulsive behaviors
  • Tendency to hold grudges
  • Trouble shifting from one activity to another
  • Likelihood of becoming upset if things aren’t done a certain way
  • Likely to maintain their own opinion and ignore others
  • May or may not include hyperactivity

4. Temporal lobe ADHD

Temporal lobe ADHD (also called temporal lobe ADD) involves the typical features of the disorder—and adds symptoms associated with issues in the brain’s temporal lobes, such as learning, memory, mood stability, aggression, temper, and in some cases, violence. Brain scans show decreased activity in the temporal lobe at rest and concentration and the reduced activity of classic ADHD.

In addition to many of the classic symptoms and characteristics listed above, people with temporal lobe ADHD may experience:

  • Memory problems
  • Auditory processing issues
  • Mood instability, such as irritable behavior and quick temper
  • Sensitivity or mild paranoia
  • Periods of spaciness or confusion, panic, or fear for no reason
  • Visual disturbances, such as seeing shadows 
  • Episodes of déjà vu
  • Medical history involving head injury
  • Headaches or abdominal pain with no apparent origin
  • Dark thoughts
  • Potential learning disabilities
  • May or may not include hyperactivity

5. Limbic ADHD

Limbic ADHD (also referred to as limbic ADD) affects the region of the brain responsible for emotional control and the “fight or flight” response. Depression influences the same brain area. Dr. Amen’s research indicates that a brain scan study—which shows increased deep limbic activity in addition to classic ADHD patterns—can be used to differentiate between the two mental health conditions and determine the best treatment method. 

In addition to many of the core symptoms and characteristics listed above, people with limbic ADHD may experience:

  • Moodiness and frequent irritability
  • Negative attitude
  • Low energy levels
  • Tendency toward social isolation
  • Feelings of hopelessness and perceived helplessness
  • Guilt
  • Anhedonia or loss of interest and enjoyment in activities
  • Sleep pattern changes
  • Chronic low self-esteem
  • May or may not include hyperactivity

6. Ring of fire ADHD

People with Ring of Fire ADHD (sometimes referred to as ring of fire ADD) typically show patterns of high activity in the entire brain and have trouble “shutting off” their minds, which can make thoughts and emotions overwhelming. Stimulant medications alone may make ring-of-fire ADD symptoms significantly worse. According to Dr. Amen, Ring of Fire ADHD can be related to infection, allergy, brain inflammation, or bipolar disorder. Brain scan study shows a “ring” of overactivity, though there is often variability between individuals. 

In addition to many of the core symptoms and characteristics listed above, people with ring of fire ADD tend to experience:

  • Unpredictable behavior
  • Sensitive to touch, noise, light, or clothing
  • Cyclic mood swings from high to low and back
  • Rigid, inflexible thinking
  • Oppositional defiance
  • Periods of behavior that may include mean, nasty, or insensitive comments, increased talkativeness, or increased impulsivity
  • Demanding things be their way
  • Grandiose thinking
  • Rapid speech and racing thoughts
  • Anxious or fearful appearance
  • Irritability
  • May or may not include hyperactivity

7. Anxious ADHD

Anxious ADHD involves decreased activity in the prefrontal cortex with overactivity in the basal ganglia, which relates to anxiety and controls the body’s “idle speed,” according to Dr. Amen’s brain scan study. ADHD symptoms tend to be magnified by stress or anxiety, and treatments typically include both calming and stimulating the brain. 

In addition to many of the core symptoms and characteristics listed above, people with anxious ADHD may experience:

  • Frequent anxiety or nervousness
  • Physical stress symptoms like headaches
  • Tendency to freeze in social situations
  • Dislike speaking in public, often with extreme nervousness
  • Predicts the worst will happen
  • Active avoidance of conflict
  • Fear of being judged
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Is your child experiencing one of the seven types of ADHD?

How therapy and other treatment options can help manage symptoms

There are many effective treatments for ADHD. Therapy and medications are the most effective treatment options for managing ADHD symptoms. In addition to therapy and medication, certain lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly and getting enough good quality sleep,  are proven to help manage ADHD symptoms.

Internet-based therapy has been an excellent solution for many people’s mental health needs. Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, while not working with children, can help you adjust your parenting style and develop healthy coping skills to manage stress. A licensed therapist can also help you understand the mechanics of ADHD and how it’s likely to affect your child. 

Effectiveness of online therapy for the treatment of ADHD

Recent research indicates that online parenting interventions like therapy can be an effective addition to an ADHD treatment plan. Teletherapy also typically has substantially lower costs and shortened wait times. Additionally, virtual therapy providers may offer flexible appointment formats, so it’s easier to fit treatment into your busy schedule. 

Takeaway

After receiving an ADHD diagnosis, your family will likely go through a period of adjustment, and it can be helpful to use this time to educate yourself about the condition. The information included in this article may offer some insight into the seven distinct types of ADHD and how they may affect your child.

Gain a better understanding of ADHD
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