Introduction
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects children and adults. It is characterized by problems with attention, hyperactivity, and impulse control. There are three subtypes of ADHD: Predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type. The symptoms vary depending on the type of ADHD you have. Here's more information about these subtypes:
Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is the most common type of ADHD and is characterized by difficulty focusing, paying attention, and remembering things. It's often mistaken for depression because people with inattentive ADHD are often described as "daydreaming" or "spacey."
People with this type of ADHD usually have difficulty staying organized and keeping track of their belongings. They may also have trouble following through on tasks until they're complete--even if it's something they enjoy doing--because they become distracted by other things along the way.
The symptoms of inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is characterized by difficulty paying attention, trouble following directions, and focusing on details.
It's also common for people with inattentive ADHD to have problems with organization and completing tasks. They may have trouble finishing projects or keeping track of things like appointments or meetings. This can lead to forgetfulness that can make it hard for them to keep up in school or work environments where they're expected to remember things like homework assignments, project deadlines, and other details about their daily lives (like where they put the car keys).
Hyperactive or impulsive ADHD
Hyperactive or impulsive ADHD. This type of ADHD is characterized by restlessness and a constant need for movement. It's also associated with a lack of impulse control, which means that people with this type of ADHD may act before thinking about the consequences.
Hyperactive symptoms are similar to those seen in the inattentive type, but they're more pronounced--and combined with impulsivity, they can be very disruptive to daily life. For example, The child who fidgets throughout class doesn't have time to pay attention because he or she needs to move around; when it's time for recess, this child runs off without waiting until everyone has left the room; then he or climbs up on top of something high so that he'll feel better when he jumps down again!
The symptoms of hyperactive ADHD
The symptoms of hyperactive ADHD are:
- Difficulty staying still, fidgeting, and constant movement.
- Running about or climbing on the furniture.
- Excessive talking that is out of context to the situation at hand.
Hyperactive children often talk excessively, interrupt others when they're speaking, and blurt out answers before questions have been fully asked. They may also be constantly in motion, squirming in their seats or moving around unnecessarily during class time or meetings with adults (elderly relatives included!).
Combined inattentive and hyperactive ADHD
Combined inattentive and hyperactive ADHD is the most common type of ADHD, affecting about 60% of children with the disorder. Children with combined inattentive-hyperactive ADHD have symptoms that are similar to both types of ADHD but may be more severe than those found in children who have only one type of the disorder.
In addition to having difficulty paying attention, these children are often impulsive and hyperactive. They may fidget or squirm when they can't sit still; run around constantly; talk excessively; interrupt others while they're speaking; act without thinking first (for example, jumping off a diving board before checking to see if anyone else is ready); or blurt out answers before questions have been fully completed.
The symptoms of combined inattentive and hyperactive ADHD
Combined inattentive and hyperactive ADHD is a subtype of the disorder that's characterized by symptoms of both types of ADHD. In other words, it's not just one or the other: You may have trouble focusing on tasks while also being fidgety or impulsive. This can make it difficult to pay attention in school or at work, which can cause problems with your job performance as well as interpersonal relationships.
The exact details vary from person to person, but generally speaking, if you have combined inattentive and hyperactive ADHD, then you'll likely experience some combination of these symptoms:
- Difficulty staying focused on a task for an extended period of time (e.g., working on homework)
- Easily distracted by noises around you
- Trouble concentrating during conversations
Disorganized ADHD
Disorganized ADHD is a type of inattentive ADHD that affects an individual's ability to organize tasks and activities. People with this type of attention deficit disorder may have trouble prioritizing tasks, completing them in the correct order, or even starting them at all. They may also have difficulty following directions--like those given by teachers or bosses--and keeping track of their belongings.
People with disorganized ADHD often struggle to maintain focus on one task for long periods of time because they're easily distracted by other things going on around them. They might start one project but then get sidetracked by something else before finishing it; forget about a significant event or appointment until late in the day (or even day-of); leave important papers behind when leaving work; misplace things like keys and wallets, etc.
The symptoms of disorganized ADHD
- Difficulty with the organization. People with this type of ADHD often have problems organizing their thoughts and tasks, which may lead to procrastination or even missed deadlines.
- Time management issues. People with disorganized ADHD may have trouble remembering appointments, meetings, and deadlines--even when they're written down on paper in front of them! This can cause problems at work or school because it's difficult for people with disorganized ADHD to stay focused on the task at hand (i.e., completing an assignment) when there are so many other things going on around them that seem more important than finishing off that essay about Thomas Jefferson's writing style for English class tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m., which is also when Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr., whoever-your-teacher-is will be coming into class! Needless to say: It would probably behoove everyone involved if this person got their act together soon before they end up failing out altogether.
There are several different types of ADHD, each with different symptoms for adults and children
Inattentive: In this type of ADHD, a person has trouble focusing on tasks or activities that require sustained attention and concentration. They may appear to be daydreaming or in a fog when they're supposed to be paying attention. They also have difficulty listening when spoken to directly; they often miss details when reading (for example, not noticing the date at the top of an article); they misplace items frequently; have poor organizational skills; tend not to finish chores or tasks unless someone closely supervises them; forget things like appointments or deadlines regularly; seem disorganized even though their desk is neat and tidy; struggle with following through on instructions from others (such as "pick up the dry cleaning").
Hyperactive/impulsive: In this type of ADHD, there's usually no problem sitting still but rather an inability for people with hyperactive/impulsive symptoms to control their actions or thoughts enough so as not to disrupt others around them--they might talk excessively without being asked something first (and then forget what was asked), jump from topic A into B before finishing talking about A completely...
Conclusion
ADHD is a complex disorder that can affect people of all ages. It's important to know what type of ADHD you have so that you can get the proper treatment and support. If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with this condition, it's essential to know what type they have so they can get the best care possible.
