The 3 Subtypes of ADHD

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7 Dec

(1) Predominantly inattentive: Display primarily inattentive behaviours. This used to be commonly known as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

(2) Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive: Display primarily hyperactive and impulsive behaviour.

(3) Combined presentation: Display both inattentive and hyperactive behaviours. This is the most common type of ADHD.

How do I know which subtype my child falls under?

Check out the table below to understand the difference between key symptoms defining inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity respectively.

Inattention	Hyperactive-Impulsive
Often fails to give close attention to details, or makes careless mistakes (e.g., overlooks details, inaccurate work)	Often fidgets with or taps hands, feet or squirms in seat
Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities (e.g., has difficulty remaining focused during class, conversations or reading)	Often leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected (e.g., leaves their seat in classroom)
Often doesn’t seem to listen when spoken to directly (e.g., mind seems elsewhere, even in absence of obvious distractions)	Often runs about or climbs in situations where it is inappropriate
Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace (e.g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked)	Often unable to play or engage in leisure activities quietly
Often has difficulty organising tasks and activities (e.g., difficulty managing sequential tasks, disorganised work, has poor time management)	Is often “on the go”, acting as if “driven by a motor” (e.g., is unable to be or is uncomfortable being still for extended time, may be seen by others as being restless or difficult to keep up with)
Often avoids, dislikes or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort (e.g., schoolwork or homework)	Often talks excessively
Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school materials, pencils, books)	Often blurts out answers before a question has been completed (e.g., completes people’s sentences, cannot wait for a turn in conversation)
Is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli	Often has difficulty waiting their turn (e.g., while waiting in line)
Is often forgetful in daily activities (e.g., doing chores, running errands)	Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations, games or activities; may start using other people’s things without asking or receiving permission)