There’s much more to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than meets the eye. In fact, there’s much more than how it’s portrayed in pop culture. It’s a complex and chronic condition that contains nuance far beyond jokes about forgetfulness or distractibility. Almost 10 percent of children have this diagnosis. For adults, the number is about 4.4 percent. However, mere numbers don’t convey the information we need to understand ADHD.
For starters, ADHD is not a monolithic disorder. It can arise in two different forms — three if you consider the combined version. Both hyperactive and inattentive ADHD share some symptoms, but an accurate diagnosis must be made. Let’s take a closer look.
Hyperactive ADHD: The Basics
The third word in its name is “hyperactivity.” Therefore, it should come as no surprise that hyperactivity will be present to some degree in virtually all folks with ADHD. With hyperactive ADHD, however, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and restlessness are the signs to watch for. While each person, of course, will present in their own unique way, some common symptoms exist.
- It seems as if they are driven by a relentless and fast motor. You’ll hear them described as constantly on the go.
- They appear uncomfortable with silence. They make noise — speaking or otherwise — all the time and speak without filtering their thoughts.
- Sitting still is another source of discomfort. Thus, someone with hyperactive ADHD will fidget, squirm, stand when they’re expected to sit, etc.
- They appear to have a strong desire to touch things (sometimes including people) that are near them, even when this results in negative attention.
- As you might suspect, people with hyperactive ADHD are inherently impatient. This can lead to a big struggle when they are expected to wait their turn in any way.
In children, hyperactive ADHD manifests in behaviors that are often deemed disruptive or distracting.
Inattentive ADHD: The Basics
To repeat, one diagnosis does not rule out a few crossover symptoms. Hence, people with inattentive ADHD can sometimes be impulsive or hyperactive. Their primary sign, though, is a mind that drifts in and out of the present situation. This lack of focus can appear in ways like:
- A person with inattentive ADHD is typically labeled as a daydreamer. In situations when they are expected to follow through on a plan, they might also get called flaky or unreliable.
- They need steady stimulation, and without it, they get distracted or even bored. This is when they tend to “daze out.”
- Some with inattentive ADHD process information slower, but it’s not a reflection of their intelligence or desire to learn. It’s just that their thinking can be disorganized, which also leads to losing things.
- You may think they’re not listening, but they’re doing their best.
A Third Possibility: Combined ADHD
If a person presents with a relatively even split of inattentive and hyperactive symptoms, they may be diagnosed with combined ADHD. Technically, this variation requires someone to present with a specific number of symptoms from each category. Combined ADHD is far more common in children.
For Any of These Variations, Treatment Is Important and Available
A delicate balance must be struck. It is important to closely identify and monitor symptoms in yourself or your child. Meanwhile, this is not the same as casually diagnosing yourself or anyone else. Ideally, you’ll keep a journal of symptoms and connect with an experienced professional. From there, many treatment options exist.
ADHD of any kind is treatable. However, you will need guidance from a mental health practitioner who can work with you to find the right treatment protocol for you. To learn more, I invite you to reach out with your questions today.
