The Four ADHD Subtypes

Although many people have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, they do not all express it in the same way. This is because there are four distinct subtypes of ADHD, based on the research conducted for the publication of the DSM-IV (also known as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition). Each of these ADHD subtypes express themselves differently, meaning that there is not one clear expression of ADHD that exists.

The four subtypes of ADHD are:
- ADHD Inattentive
- ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive
- ADHD Combined Type
- ADHD Not Otherwise Specified

ADHD Inattentive individuals are often identified as being dreamers or ‘living in their own little world’. To be classified as ADHD Inattentive, a person must have at least six of the following characteristics:
1. Unable to give close attention to detail, or makes mistakes that are careless.
2. Doesn’t appear to be listening
3. Has difficulty in maintaining attention
4. Has difficulty in following instructions through
5. Struggles to stay organised
6. Doesn’t like or avoids anything that requires requires sustained mental effort
7. Loses things needed for tasks on a regular basis
8. Easily distracted
9. Forgetful throughout the day and its activities

ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive individuals are usually highly spontaneous and referred to as ‘acting without thinking’. To be classified as ADHD Hyperactive/Impulsive, a person must have a minimum of six of the following characteristics:
1. Fidgets with feet or hands, or constantly moves in seat
2. Struggles to stay in seat
3. Runs about or engages in extreme actions excessively (adults may find that this is limited to feelings of restlessness)
4. Struggles to be quiet when doing activities
5. Talks excessively
6. Answers questions before they’ve been completely asked, often by blurting out their comments
7. Struggles to wait for their turn
8. Interrupts others or intrudes on them

The ADHD Combined Type is someone who shows characteristics from both of the above types, meeting a full diagnosis in each.

ADHD Otherwise Unspecified is a classification for people who demonstrate some of the characteristics from the lists of both ADHD Inattentive and ADHD Hyperactive Impulsive, but not enough in either set to warrant a full diagnosis. However, the symptoms that people with ADHD Otherwise Unspecified have can still disrupt life on a regular basis.

There are also a range of psychiatric disorders that are often found in people diagnosed with any of the ADHD subtypes, and these are known as comorbidities collectively. These comorbidities include Oppositional Defiance Disorder, Conduct Disorder and other learning disabilities and can all make the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD a more difficult process as they express similar characteristics. They can also be a negative influence on and ADHD individual if the patient is treated a disorder that they do not have.