When most people think of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they often picture a fidgety child struggling to concentrate in school. However, ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition, nor does it manifest the same way for everyone. In fact, ADHD can persist into adulthood, presenting challenges that range from difficulties at work to strained personal relationships.
A particular perspective on ADHD is the identification of 7 types of ADHD in adults, a classification that helps illuminate the unique ways this condition can affect individuals. By understanding these types, adults with ADHD—and those who support them—can take a more tailored approach to managing the condition.
While the idea of seven types of ADHD has gained attention, it is important to note that this is a theoretical model rather than a medically recognised classification. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases) recognise ADHD as a condition with three main presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. This blog explores the seven-type model, but readers should be aware that it is not an officially accepted diagnostic framework and remains a subject of debate among experts.
What is ADHD, and Why Does It Differ in Adults?
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts focus, impulse control, and emotional regulation. For adults, the symptoms of ADHD can look different from those typically observed in children and adolescents. While children may exhibit hyperactivity or inattentiveness in the classroom, adults with ADHD might struggle with job performance, maintaining healthy relationships, or managing daily responsibilities.
Recognising the diversity of ADHD symptoms has led to a broader understanding of its subtypes. The theory of the 7 types of ADHD in adults highlights just how varied and personal these experiences can be.
The 7 Types of ADHD in Adults
ADHD can present in a variety of ways, and its manifestations often change over the course of a lifetime. Understanding the different types of ADHD can provide valuable insights into the challenges individuals face and offer tailored strategies for managing symptoms. Let’s dive into these seven types to explore how ADHD may manifest in adulthood and how each type brings unique strengths and challenges.
1. Classic ADHD
Classic ADHD is the most well-known presentation, often characterised by:
- Hyperactivity: Feeling constantly “on the go.”
- Impulsivity: Acting without thinking through consequences.
- Inattention: Difficulty staying focused on tasks.
Adults with classic ADHD may struggle with procrastination, unfinished tasks, and maintaining attention in conversations or meetings. Their energy and impulsivity can sometimes be mistaken for immaturity or carelessness.
Management Tips: Stimulant medications, mindfulness techniques, and structured routines often help manage classic ADHD effectively. ADHD coaching and CBT therapy can be helpful for learning techniques to manage symptoms.
2. Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD, otherwise known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), is marked by an absence of hyperactivity. Key traits include:
- Daydreaming or zoning out
- Difficulty following through on projects
- Losing focus or misplacing items regularly
Adults with this type may be perceived as forgetful or unmotivated, though these assumptions don’t account for the underlying challenges they face.
Management Tips: Time management tools, behavioural therapy, and accountability partners can help individuals stay on track.
3. Overfocused ADHD
Overfocused ADHD is the opposite of inattentive ADHD. Instead of being easily distracted, people with this type:
- Fixate on specific thoughts or tasks
- Struggle to transition between activities
- Display rigid thinking or resistance to change
This hyperfocus can sometimes be a strength, such as excelling in detail-oriented tasks. However, it can also lead to perfectionism, frustration, and difficulty working in teams.
Management Tips: Developing flexibility and balance through therapy and relaxation techniques can help mitigate overfocus.
4. Temporal Lobe ADHD
This type of ADHD involves issues stemming from the brain’s temporal lobes, which play a key role in emotional regulation and memory. Symptoms include:
- Mood swings and irritability
- Trouble remembering important details
- Dark or anxious thoughts
For adults, these challenges can interfere with their emotional wellbeing and relationships.
Management Tips: Emotional regulation strategies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), combined with regular physical activity, can help stabilise moods.
5. Limbic ADHD
Limbic ADHD affects the brain’s limbic system, leading to emotional dysregulation and persistent low moods. Adults with this type may experience:
- Chronic low energy
- Feelings of sadness or hopelessness
- Negative self-esteem
This type can often be mistaken for depression, though it stems from ADHD’s unique impact on the brain.
Management Tips: A combination of therapy, stimulant or mood-boosting medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise can significantly improve symptoms.
6. Ring of Fire ADHD
Ring of Fire ADHD gets its name from a pattern of brain activity associated with overarousal. Adults with this type may exhibit:
- Sensory overload or irritability
- Aggression or quick temper
- Mood instability
This extreme form of ADHD can feel overwhelming for both the individual and their loved ones.
Management Tips: A holistic approach, including calming techniques like yoga and mindfulness, alongside medication when needed, can be effective in managing symptoms.
7. Anxious ADHD
Anxious ADHD combines the core symptoms of ADHD with chronic anxiety. Adults with this type may experience:
- Constant worry or overthinking
- Avoidance of new or challenging situations
- Difficulty relaxing or unwinding
This type can make life feel paralysing, as anxiety and ADHD symptoms feed into each other, making even simple tasks feel daunting.
Management Tips: Therapies focusing on relaxation, non-stimulant ADHD medications, and techniques to build resilience against anxiety are often beneficial.
How accurate is this model?
The idea that there are seven types of ADHD is a theory popularised by Dr Daniel Amen, but it is not universally recognised in mainstream psychology or psychiatry. This model categorises ADHD into distinct subtypes based on brain imaging studies and behavioural traits; however, it has not been widely accepted by the scientific community due to a lack of sufficient empirical evidence. The universally recognised framework for ADHD, as outlined in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition), classifies the condition into three main presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined presentation. These classifications are based on observable symptoms rather than brain imaging, making them the standard used by clinicians worldwide for diagnosis and treatment.
Living with ADHD: Practical Steps for Adults
If you suspect you have ADHD or have already been diagnosed, recognising your specific type is a powerful step towards effective management. Here are some general tips:
- Seek Professional Support: A trained healthcare provider can offer a formal diagnosis and help you identify the strategies that work best for you.
- Adopt Lifestyle Adjustments: Regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep can improve brain function and reduce symptoms.
- Use Technology: Time management apps, reminder tools, and organisational software can help stay on track with responsibilities.
- Build a Support Network: Share your experiences with loved ones or join a support group for adults with ADHD. Feeling understood can alleviate some of the emotional burden.
Final Thoughts
We understand that ADHD in adults is a multifaceted condition, far more complex than the stereotype of being “distracted” or “hyperactive.”
Whether you resonate with one specific type or see yourself in a mix, recognising your challenges is the first step towards effective treatment and greater self-compassion. ADHD is manageable, and with the right tools and support, you can thrive personally and professionally.
If this sounds like you or someone you know, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider for an assessment. Understanding your unique experience with ADHD can make all the difference.
If you’re struggling with symptoms you believe to be ADHD, we can help. Contact us to start your ADHD diagnosis journey.
