ADHD Subtypes

According to Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders (CHADD), four subtypes of ADHD have been defined as follows:

ADHD -- Inattentive type is defined by an individual experiencing at least six of the following characteristics:
  1. Fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes
  2. Has difficulty sustaining attention
  3. Does not appear to listen
  4. Struggles to follow through on instructions
  5. Has difficulty with organization
  6. Avoids or dislikes requiring sustained mental effort
  7. Often loses things necessary for tasks
  8. Is easily distracted
  9. Is forgetful in daily activities
ADHD -- Hyperactive/Impulsive type is defined by an individual experiencing six of the following characteristics:
  1. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
  2. Has difficulty remaining seated
  3. Runs about or climbs excessively (in adults may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)
  4. Has difficulty engaging in activities quietly
  5. Talks excessively
  6. Blurts out answers before question have been completed
  7. Has difficulty waiting in turn taking situations
  8. Interrupts or intrudes upon others
ADHD -- Combined type is defined by an individual meeting both sets of attention and hyperactive/impulsive criteria.

ADHD -- Not otherwise specified is defined by an individual who demonstrates some characteristics but an insufficient number of symptoms to reach a full diagnosis. These symptoms, however, disrupt everyday life.

Although we mostly hear of children having the disorder, many adults are also affected by ADHD. Adults often try and shape their lifestyles to compensate their abilities by seeking jobs in fields that: do not require long periods of focused attention, allow them the freedom to move about, do not require close attention to detail, etc.

In adults, there are greater problems with stress, which lead to greater expressed emotions.

Other psychiatric disorders, known as comorbidity, are also found in ADHD patients. Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Learning Disorders can confuse the diagnosis and treatment of ADHD. These disorders display similar characteristics and can be negatively influenced if the patient is treated for disorders they do not have.