For many people, the idea they have of ADHD is a child who can’t sit still and is always getting into trouble. However, ADHD is much more complex than the media stereotypes. There are different types of ADHD—diagnosed in both children and adults—that can present differently, making it a unique experience for each person. Learning about the different types of ADHD is one way you can better understand yourself or your loved one’s experience with ADHD.

Northeast Health Services offers ADHD treatment services in our locations across Massachusetts. If you’re interested in an approach to ADHD treatment that integrates counseling, medication, and lifestyle changes to help manage and overcome symptoms, our team is here to support you. Call 508.794.8711 today to get started.

Understanding ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects people of all ages. It is characterized by difficulties in regulating attention, impulse control, and hyperactivity. This means that individuals with ADHD may struggle to pay attention to tasks or conversations, have impulsive reactions or behaviors, and exhibit excessive levels of energy.

While ADHD is commonly associated with children, it can also be diagnosed in adults. It’s common for ADHD to go undiagnosed into adulthood, as the symptoms may manifest differently in adults compared to children. ADHD symptoms can often be mistaken for other conditions due to their overlapping characteristics. For instance, the lack of focus and difficulty in completing tasks can be misinterpreted as laziness or lack of motivation, especially in adults. Some may also confuse the impulsivity and hyperactivity of those with ADHD as mere personality traits rather than symptoms of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Additionally, conditions like anxiety, depression, and learning disabilities can coexist with ADHD or have similar symptoms, making it tricky to diagnose accurately. Anxiety and depression can lead to issues with concentration and attention, similar to ADHD. Learning disabilities may also impact a person’s ability to focus on tasks, leading to a potential misdiagnosis.

Types of ADHD

There are three main types of ADHD: predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type. These types are based on the different ways that ADHD can present itself in individuals.

Predominantly Inattentive Type

This type is more commonly diagnosed in girls and adults. People with this form of ADHD may struggle to pay attention to details, follow through on tasks, and tend to be forgetful. They may seem “daydreamy” or lost in their thoughts and have difficulty organizing their time and belongings.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

This type is more often diagnosed in boys. Individuals with this form of ADHD typically have trouble sitting still, fidgeting frequently, and talking excessively. They may interrupt others during conversations or have difficulty waiting for their turn.

Combined Type

This type is the most common form of ADHD, diagnosed in both children and adults. Individuals with this type experience symptoms from both predominantly inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types.

Common Signs of ADHD

While the signs and symptoms of ADHD can vary depending on the type and individual circumstances, there are some common signs that may point to it. Not everyone with ADHD will display all of these signs, and some people may experience them in different ways. The most common signs of ADHD in both adults and children include:

• Struggling to focus on tasks or maintain attention
• Frequently forgetting details and responsibilities
• Difficulty following through on instructions and failure to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
• Often losing things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books, tools)
• Being easily distracted by unrelated thoughts or stimuli
• Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet
• Leaving seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
• Talking excessively or interrupting others
• Struggling to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
• Having difficulty waiting their turn or waiting for events to happen
• Often blurting out an answer before a question has been completed

Although these signs are common in individuals with ADHD, they may also be present in other conditions or just as individual traits. A proper diagnosis from a trained professional is essential to determine if ADHD is the cause of these behaviors and symptoms.

Contact Northeast Health Services for ADHD Treatment

If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of ADHD, know that you are not alone. Northeast Health Services offers comprehensive and personalized treatment for ADHD in children and adults. Our team of professionals will work with you to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Call 508.794.8711 today to get in touch with Northeast Health Services. If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic, mental health care experts! For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.