Understanding ADHD Variants and Symptoms in Adults

Last Update: May 8, 2024 | 2 min read

ADHD manifests in three primary ways, each with its own set of challenges and characteristics:

• Predominantly Inattentive Type
• Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
• Combined Type

Recognizing the specific type of ADHD can help you or someone you know identify if ADHD may be affecting your life.

Key Indicators of Predominantly Inattentive ADHD:

• Misplacing everyday items like keys or phones regularly.
• Frequent minor errors in daily tasks at work or home.
• Difficulty maintaining focus on films, lectures, or while driving, often leading to distraction.
• Forgetting details of conversations or needing repeated instructions.
• Challenges in starting or completing projects, leading to numerous unfinished tasks.
• Forgetfulness in scheduling, causing missed deadlines and appointments.
• Procrastinating on mundane tasks which might result in penalties or additional stress.
• Neglecting to follow up on commitments such as phone calls or social plans.
• Easily sidetracked, leading to jumping between tasks without completion.
• Difficulty following step-by-step instructions, often skipping steps.
• Impatience or frustration with slow processes or activities.

Special Note on Women:

Women often exhibit the inattentive type of ADHD, which is less disruptive and therefore less noticeable in childhood, leading to a lower rate of diagnosis compared to men.

Key Indicators of Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD:

• Struggling to remain seated during long meetings or activities.
• Constant fidgeting, like tapping or restless movements.
• Tendency to speak excessively without much self-filter.
• Impatience with queues and delays.
• Speaking without thinking, often regretting impulsivity later.
• Frequent emotional outbursts that subside quickly.
• Habit of interrupting or completing others’ sentences inadvertently.
• Feeling driven by an internal motor, with a constant need for movement.
• Regrettable snap decisions due to lack of forethought.
• Difficulty unwinding or sleeping after a busy day.
• Uninvited participation in projects or conversations due to compelling interest.
• Using physical activity as an outlet for incessant energy.

Characteristics of Combined Type ADHD:

If symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive lists resonate with you, you might have Combined Type ADHD, which is the most prevalent form.

Next Steps

If you suspect ADHD might be impacting your life, consider taking a quick online assessment. Finding Focus offers a free online self-assessment that can guide you towards potential diagnosis and treatment, which includes options like medication or therapy. Life with ADHD can be challenging, but with the right support, improvement is possible.

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Finding Focus Care Team

We are a group of nurse practitioners, continuous care specialists, creators, and writers, all committed to excellence in patient care and expertise in ADHD. We share content that illuminates aspects of ADHD and broader health care topics. Each article is medically verified and approved by the Finding Focus Care Team. You can contact us at support@findfocusnow.com if you have any questions!

Sources:

• ‍https://add.org/adhd-types/#:~:text=An%20adult%20may%20exhibit%20symptoms,well%20as%20hyperactivity%20and%20impulsivity.