Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifests differently in adults and is typically categorized into three subtypes:
Inattentive Type,
Hyperactive Type, and
Combined Type
Understanding these differences can significantly impact how individuals manage their symptoms and seek appropriate support. I'll provide some identifiers in this blog to help discern these differences.
Inattentive Type: What It Looks Like
Inattentive ADHD, often referred to as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), is characterized by difficulty in maintaining focus, organization, and follow-through. Adults with this type of ADHD may often feel overwhelmed, disorganized, and forgetful, making it hard to complete tasks or stick to routines.
Key Identifiers
Forgetfulness: Frequently misplacing items like keys, phones, or paperwork.
Poor Time Management: Difficulty estimating time, often leading to lateness or missing deadlines.
Distraction: Easily sidetracked by unrelated thoughts or external stimuli, making task completion challenging.
Procrastination: Putting off tasks, especially those that require sustained attention or are perceived as boring.
Difficulty Following Instructions: Trouble following through on detailed instructions, particularly in tasks requiring multiple steps.
An example of how it shows up: An adult with Inattentive ADHD might find it nearly impossible to focus on long meetings at work, often losing track of the conversation and struggling to keep up with tasks that require sustained mental effort.
Hyperactive Type: What It Looks Like
Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD is marked by excessive restlessness, impulsivity, and difficulty in sitting still. In adults, this may translate into feeling constantly on the go or engaging in activities without considering the consequences.
Key Identifiers:
Restlessness: Feeling the need to move constantly, fidgeting, or tapping feet during meetings.
Impulsivity: Making hasty decisions without considering the long-term effects, such as spending money impulsively or interrupting conversations.
Excessive Talking: Talking over others or struggling to wait their turn to speak in conversations.
Difficulty Relaxing: Finding it hard to engage in quiet activities or relax during downtime.
Impatience: Difficulty waiting in lines, feeling agitated or irritated by delays.
An example of how it shows up: An adult with Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD might struggle to stay seated during long work hours, finding themselves constantly pacing or talking excessively during meetings.
Combined Type: What It Looks Like
Combined Type ADHD presents a mixture of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Adults with this type experience challenges in maintaining focus and managing impulses, leading to a broader range of difficulties in daily life.
Key Identifiers:
Fluctuating Focus: Alternating between hyperfocus on tasks of interest and inability to focus on less engaging activities.
Erratic Behavior: Shifting between moments of intense productivity and bouts of procrastination or distraction.
Emotional Dysregulation: Intense emotional reactions to seemingly minor events, often swinging from one extreme to another.
Inconsistent Performance: Struggling to maintain consistent levels of productivity or engagement in work and personal life.
An example of how it shows up: An adult with Combined Type ADHD might start their day with an intense burst of energy, tackling tasks enthusiastically, only to hit a wall by mid-afternoon, becoming easily distracted, and abandoning projects halfway through.
Recognizing the differences between inattentive, hyperactive, and combined type ADHD can help adults better understand their behaviors and challenges. This knowledge is crucial for seeking appropriate interventions through therapy, medication, coaching, or self-management strategies.
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