Are there different types of ADHD?

If you are starting to wonder if you have ADHD, then you may be wondering if there are different types. And there are. The three types of ADHD are hyperactivity-impulsive type, inattentive type, and combined type. Symptoms of the different types may include inattention, forgetfulness, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. Understanding each type of ADHD can help you better understand your experiences.

Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD

Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD is the least common type of ADHD, but it tends to be the most visible. [1] It shows as symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity without symptoms of inattention. Someone living with this type of ADHD may feel restless and fidget a lot. They also may find it difficult to be patient, wait their turn, or wait for directions. They may act impulsively without thinking and interrupt others. [2]

Other symptoms that they may experience include [2] [3]:

• Excessive tapping or talking

• Difficulty sitting still
• Interrupting others
• Always “on the go” as if driven by a motor
• Moves around constantly even in situations where it’s not appropriate
• Difficulty with self-control
• Often acting without thinking
• Making decisions before considering long-term consequences
• Needing immediate rewards

Inattentive type ADHD

People with inattentive type ADHD experience mainly the inattentive symptoms of ADHD. Like lacking focus and being distracted without symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. This type of ADHD often goes undiagnosed because it’s not as noticeable or disruptive as the hyperactive-impulsive type. For example, children with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD may interrupt others in class. So this makes their symptoms hard to ignore. But children with inattentive type ADHD may look like they’re just daydreaming a lot. This type is also more common in girls, and is part of the reason that many girls living with ADHD are underdiagnosed.  [1]

Someone living with inattentive type may become easily distracted. They also may have trouble staying organized, following directions, and remembering daily activities and routines. [2]

Other symptoms that they may experience include [2] [3]:

• Often fails to give close attention or makes careless mistakes
• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks and/or activities
• Avoid or dislikes tasks that need sustained mental effort
• Is often easily distracted
• Often losing things needed for tasks like school papers, keys, wallet, phone, etc.
• Often forgets daily tasks such as chores or errands

Combined type ADHD

Looking back on it all now, I also recognize patterns of struggling to comprehend lengthy reading, forgetting to do certain tasks, losing things all the time, ignoring clutter until it’s too unmanageable, and being clumsy. I had so little knowledge that I was a combined type until recently, but looking back it all makes sense. Yes, some of my ADHD traits have made life really difficult for me, but now I realize that a lot of those traits have also been strengths in my life.

Combined type is the most common type of ADHD. [1]

This type of ADHD is called “combined” because it includes both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. For example, someone with combined type may forget daily chores and be easily distracted. And they may also feel restless, talk excessively, and/or feel impatient. [2] People with combined type show ADHD symptoms are inattentive, hyperactive, and impulsive.

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If you think you might have ADHD, consider taking our ADHD test. While it is not an official diagnosis, it can help you start a conversation with a mental health professional. You can also check out Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). CHADD provides resources and support for people living with ADHD.

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