Beyond the Buzz: Understanding the Different Types of ADHD (and Why It Matters)

Iqra Shaikh 03.September.2025 0 comments

Beyond the Buzz: Understanding the Different Types of ADHD (and Why It Matters)

When most people hear the acronym ADHD, they think of an out-of-control kid who can’t sit still in class. But that’s one part of the story, not the whole story. The fact is, ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, presents in three main types, or “presentations,” and each type looks a bit different. Disentangling these differences is essential for doctors and anyone who would like a clearer picture of themselves or someone they care about. Three types of presentations are predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (ADHD-PI)

This is the sort of thing that many people used to call ADD. It is the most common in adults and women and can sometimes be challenging to detect. Someone with this type of ADHD struggles primarily with inattention and doesn’t demonstrate the overt hyperactivity we often picture. Because the symptoms are subtle, they’re frequently misunderstood or mistaken for being lazy, unmotivated, or simply a daydreamer.

A person with ADHD-PI may have a short attention span, difficulty focusing, or be disorganized. They may regularly misplace items such as keys, school work, or their phone. Maybe you’ll see them constantly making minor errors in their work because they forgot a small detail, or seeming like they’re living in their head while you’re speaking to them. They might also grapple less with mentally taxing assignments, such as lengthy reading or complicated projects. As these are not as interfering as hyperactivity, this type of ADHD is diagnosed later.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation (ADHD-HI)

This is the presentation that most people get, and it’s a pattern of hyperactivity and impulsivity without a lot of inattention. Young children are most frequently diagnosed, and boys are more likely to develop symptoms. Those are the classic “can’t sit still” symptoms.

Someone with ADHD-HI might fidget, squirm, or constantly tap their hands or feet. They may struggle to remain seated when they are supposed to be at mealtime or in a classroom. They may talk too much, interrupt conversations, or give an answer before a question has been completed. They are “driven by a motor” and never stop. Then, students with ADHD (Impulsivity) can face challenges with waiting their turn and the impulse to cut into conversations or activities before it's appropriate. As these symptoms tend to be more apparent and problematic in a school or social environment, this form of ADHD is usually diagnosed at a much younger age.

Combined Presentation (ADHD-C)

Combined presentation is the most common diagnosis overall and specifically in children. As the term implies, it is a mixture of symptoms for inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsiveness. For this kind of diagnosis, someone must fulfill the requirements for both types.

Someone with a combined presentation will have symptoms of both types. They could easily be distracted or forgetful, and might have just as much trouble sitting still as they do interrupting others. These symptoms occur in a variety of combinations and levels of severity from person to person. For instance, someone might have a great deal of hyperactivity but only moderate inattention, while someone else might have the reverse. An accurate diagnosis is key to crafting treatment that deals with the full spectrum of a person’s needs.

Understanding the variety of ways in which ADHD can present is the first step to receiving appropriate support and treatment. It allows people to move past the stereotypes and see reality, better understanding the way forward.

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