Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsThe Three SubtypesCausesDiagnosisTreatment

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Table of Contents

The Three Subtypes

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)is a behavior disorder that causes symptoms ofinattention, hyperactivity, andimpulsivity, all of which range in severity and interfere with regular daily activities.

ADHD usually develops in childhood but can continue into adulthood. People with this condition often struggle withimpulsive behaviors, being too active, and finding it hard to pay attention. ADHD doesn’t look the same in everyone. The type of ADHD a person has depends on the primary symptoms and behaviors they exhibit.

There are three major ways in whichADHD symptoms can present. These ways were previously referred to as “subtypes” in theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition(DSM-IV) but are called “presentations” in the current DSM-5.We’ll use them synonymously here.

The Three ADHD Subtypes

As all ADHD symptoms vary from person to person, it’s important to learn about the characteristics of each presentation so you can recognize which one you or a loved one might be dealing with.

Inattentive:The main symptoms of this type include a lack of focus, frequentinattention, and disorganization.Impulsive/Hyperactive:People dealing with this subtype show no inattentiveness, but are restless and fidgety.Combined:This is the most common ADHD subtype, in which individuals show symptoms of the other two types.

Inattentive Type ADHD

People with this presentation do not show any signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity. They instead tend to have difficulty maintaining focus and being attentive. It’s often difficult for people with inattentive type ADHD topay attentionand engage in organized activities for long periods of time.

Some behaviors and symptoms people with this presentation of ADHD might exhibit include:

Impulsive/Hyperactive Type ADHD

People with this form of the condition will exhibit hyperactive and impulsive behaviors, but no symptoms of inattention. You’d find people with this form of the condition moving around constantly and fidgeting excessively.

Symptoms of hyperactivity usually include the following behaviors:

Combined Type ADHD

This is the most common form of the condition. People with this type of ADHD experience a combination of impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattention symptoms.

A diagnosis of combined type ADHD in a child requires that six or more symptoms of inattention and six or more symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity be present for at least six months. Those 17 years or older require five or more of each.

ADHD Combined Type

The exact cause of ADHD is unknown. However, current research shows that genetics might play a role in a person developing the condition.In other words, if you have a family history of the condition, then you may be more likely to develop it.

Children withADHD have also been reported to have low levels of dopamine. While this might not be solely responsible for causing the condition, it is thought to be a contributing factor to the development of the brain disorder.

The condition may also contribute to the development of other conditions likeanxiety disorder,depression, or substance abuse.

What Are the Causes of ADHD?

If you suspect your child has ADHD, you will need to take them to a qualified pediatrician ormental health expertto get a diagnosis. They’ll typically ask for a detailed history of your child’s symptoms and put your child through a series of tests to observe their behaviors.

Medical experts use the DSM-5 criteria to make a conclusive diagnosis of ADHD. The manual details nine behaviors and symptoms for hyperactivity/impulsivity as well as nine behaviors and symptoms for inattention.

A child is diagnosed with ADHD when they display at least six of the behaviors and symptoms listed for either type. While an adult orteenageris required to exhibit at least five of these symptoms, the symptoms must also be so severe as to disrupt a person’s regular functioning.

Symptoms of ADHD can start to show between the ages of 3 and 6 and are often mistaken for bad behavior. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the condition may cause poor academic performance, difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, and anti-social behaviors.

However, ADHD folks can still benefit from different strategies to adjust their lifestyle to better suit their neurotype.

ADHD is typically treated with a combination of medication and behavior therapy. However, there is no one-size-fits-all form of treatment. Finding the ideal treatment for you or your child’s ADHD depends on many factors.

Your doctor will consider your or your child’s age, the severity of the symptoms, and medication intolerances before recommending a treatment plan. Treatment could include either one or a combination of the following options.

Medication

There are two types of medication typically used to treat ADHD: stimulant and non-stimulant.

Behavior Management

However, behavior management is only one strategy of many for helping parents with their ADHD child, as well as ADHD adults. It is generally more helpful for ADHD kids and adults to adjust their lifestyle—such as setting different goals and using different strategies—in order to work with their brain rather than trying to train it to do something that it is not designed to do.

Other options that can be helpful include utilizing neurodiversity-affirming practices to develop self-regulation strategies, modifying environments to be supportive, and working with affirming healthcare practitioners.

It is also important to note that there is no therapy or treatment to “solve ADHD.” Rather, depending on the concerns that are occurring, there are different treatment options that can solve those specific issues.

How Behavioral Therapy Works

A Word From Verywell

Parenting a child with ADHD can present challenges, but appreciating a child’s strengths and finding solutions to help them adapt to their environment can help parents and children cope more effectively. Practicinghealthy habitslike exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and getting enough sleep is also important for managing symptoms of ADHD.

If you suspect you or your child is exhibiting symptoms of the condition, you should see a medical expert as soon as you can for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

6 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.de la Peña IC, Pan MC, Thai CG, Alisso T.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive subtype/presentation: research progress and translational studies.Brain Sci. 2020;10(5). doi:10.3390/brainsci10050292National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Revised September 2019.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD. Reviewed September 21, 2020.Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4). doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528Additional ReadingChildren and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)Parenting a child with ADHD.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

6 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.de la Peña IC, Pan MC, Thai CG, Alisso T.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive subtype/presentation: research progress and translational studies.Brain Sci. 2020;10(5). doi:10.3390/brainsci10050292National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Revised September 2019.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD. Reviewed September 21, 2020.Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4). doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528Additional ReadingChildren and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)Parenting a child with ADHD.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

de la Peña IC, Pan MC, Thai CG, Alisso T.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive subtype/presentation: research progress and translational studies.Brain Sci. 2020;10(5). doi:10.3390/brainsci10050292National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Revised September 2019.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-xCenters for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD. Reviewed September 21, 2020.Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4). doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528

de la Peña IC, Pan MC, Thai CG, Alisso T.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder predominantly inattentive subtype/presentation: research progress and translational studies.Brain Sci. 2020;10(5). doi:10.3390/brainsci10050292

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Revised September 2019.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth Edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

Grimm O, Kranz TM, Reif A.Genetics of ADHD: What should the clinician know?Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2020;22(4):18. doi:10.1007/s11920-020-1141-x

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Symptoms and diagnosis of ADHD. Reviewed September 21, 2020.

Wolraich ML, Hagan JF, Allan C, et al.Clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents.Pediatrics. 2019;144(4). doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2528

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)Parenting a child with ADHD.Johns Hopkins Medicine.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)Parenting a child with ADHD.

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

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