Understanding the Types of ADHD

Thinking about your child getting a psychiatric or medical diagnosis might be scary. But it’s essential to understand that “normal” is just a label society uses, and there’s no need to be afraid of what’s considered a psychiatric “condition.”

Many highly successful and extraordinary people have been diagnosed with ADHD.  Simone Biles, arguably the GOAT (greatest of all time) of gymnastics, shared with the world that she takes Ritalin, affirming that there is “nothing to be ashamed of.  This is nothing that I’m afraid to let people know.”  Adam Levine, Justin Timberlake, Michael Phelps, Emma Watson, Bill Gates, Ingvar Kamprad (Ikea CEO), and many more join Biles as other superstars who have ADHD.

Continue reading to understand the different presentations of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder and the symptom criteria for each presentation.

There are three presentations: Inattentive (ADHD-I), Hyperactive (ADHD-H), and Combined (ADHD-C).

The following charts illustrate the symptoms required for diagnosing ADHD-I and ADHD-H.  ADHD-C is when the individual meets criteria for both ADHD-I and ADHD-H.  Both ADHD-I and ADHD-H require at least 6 of the listed symptoms for more than 6 months, present before the age of 12.

 

Inattentive Presentation

Struggles to maintain focus on tasks or play activities.
Often appears inattentive when directly addressed.
Easily gets distracted.
	Frequently overlooks details or makes careless errors in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities.
	Regularly neglects to complete tasks and assignments, losing focus or getting sidetracked.
	Frequently forgetful in daily activities.
Often disorganized and/or messy
Procrastinates, avoids, or shows reluctance towards tasks demanding prolonged mental effort, such as schoolwork or homework.
Frequently misplaces essential items for tasks and activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile phones).

 

Hyperactive Presentation

Frequently fidgets with or taps hands or feet, or squirms in the seat.
Regularly stands up when expected to remain seated.
Tends to run about or climb in inappropriate situations (adolescents or adults may express restlessness).
	Difficulty keeping hands to themselves( particularly younger children)
	Has difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly.
	Often appears restless and as if constantly in motion.
Tends to talk excessively.
Frequently blurts out answers before questions are fully asked.
Struggles with waiting their turn.
Frequently interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., joining conversations or games without invitation).

 

These symptoms are usually persistent throughout childhood and present in at least two different settings (home, school, playgroup, sports, music lessons, etc.).  As mentioned earlier, these symptoms must interfere with functioning to a noticeable extent (inhibiting school performance, social interactions, etc.).  Furthermore, these symptoms cannot be better explained by another psychiatric or medical condition.

ADHD often lasts into adulthood and its symptoms might look different at older ages. For example, in adults, hyperactivity may appear as extreme restlessness or wearing others out with their activity.

Ultimately, students with ADHD often possess creativity, liveliness, sociability, spontaneity, innovativeness, and many other positive characteristics.

The challenging symptoms of ADHD represent the “other side of the coin.” Therefore, it can be helpful to recognize and address these difficulties through personalized psychotherapy, educational support, and medication.  By doing so, the positive traits can flourish, allowing the student to shine. Offering support and nurturing growth in line with a student’s uniqueness is crucial for ensuring success and well-being.

If you suspect that your child has symptoms of ADHD, C4L can provide a definitive diagnosis and advise you on subsequent treatment.

 

 

Diagnostic criteria can also be found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR), which is considered by healthcare professionals as the authoritative guide to diagnosing mental disorders.

For further reading, please reference the following articles written by physicians, neurobiologists, and psychologists.

https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1087054720923736
https://neurodivergentinsights.com/misdiagnosis-monday/adhd-vs-adhd
https://doi.org/10.1007/s44192-022-00030-1
https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787.x01_Neurodevelopmental_Disorders