Show Redefining ADHDUsing diagnostic techniques, including non-invasive SPECT scans to study blood flow and brain activity patterns, Amen has found that attention deficit issues are more complex than previously thought; and that, in fact, there are seven different types of ADHD, each with its own symptoms and treatment options. Amen’s work shows that when treatment is targeted to the type of ADHD that a person has, the results can be impressive.Before-and-after imaging indicates that effective treatments can improve brain function dramatically, not by making ADHD sufferers into different people, but by removing barriers that prevent them from being the people they already are. Amen believes that it is often possible to change the course of a person’s life by giving them the proper treatments. Types of ADHDAmen lays out his research in his best-selling book, Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 7 Types of ADD. The book explores how ADHD impacts many areas of the brain and the three neurotransmitters: dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. The affected brain areas are the prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, which control executive functions of concentration, attention span, judgment, organization, planning and impulse control; the anterior cingulate, which helps the brain shift gears and detect errors; the temporal lobes, which involve memory, learning, emotional reactions, mood stability and visual processing; the basal ganglia, large structures deep in the brain that help produce the neurotransmitter dopamine; and the limbic system, which sets emotional tone and bonding. Following is a summary of Amen’s 7 types of ADD along with his proposals for treatment. 1. Classic ADD 2. Inattentive ADD 3. Over-Focused ADD 4. Temporal Lobe ADD 5. Limbic ADD 6. Ring of Fire ADD (“ADD plus”) 7. Anxious ADD The information in this article comes from Dr. Daniel G. Amen’s book Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You to See and Heal the 7 Types of ADD (Penguin Group, 2013), and an article in ADDitude Magazine, The Seven Types of ADD – and How to Treat Each One. Related Smart Kids Topics• ADHD: An Overview Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — Written by Tom Seymour on June 7, 2017
ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and is also sometimes referred to as ADD, generally when the person with the disorder does not display symptoms of hyperactivity. Although there are several different predominant clusters of symptoms that people can experience, the diagnosis is still ADHD. ADHD is one of the most common health disorders affecting children. It is estimated that around 11 percent of children aged between 4 and 17 in the United States have ADHD, which equates to around 6.4 million children. However, adults can also have ADHD. This article will explain the three different types of ADHD.
ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children. A key sign is when their behavior becomes disruptive, and they show signs of:
ADHD is more common among boys than girls. There are three main types of ADHD, which differ according to the symptoms that present most commonly. The three types are:
The predominantly inattentive type is the one often referred to as ADD (standing for attention deficit disorder) as the term does not contain the word “hyperactivity.” The disorder was described as ADD before the word ‘hyperactivity’ was added in 1987. Essentially, ADD is now an outdated way to refer to ADHD. It was once believed that children with ADHD outgrew the disorder during adolescence because hyperactivity is often reduced as children become teenagers. However, adults can also have ADHD and often they do not even realize that they have it. While it is true that hyperactivity is less of an issue in adults with ADHD, often other symptoms can get worse. These include:
While most people diagnosed with ADHD as adults recall having similar problems as a child, it is not always the case, and it is possible that the symptoms have developed later in life. Share on PinterestDifficulty focusing and following instructions are signs of inattention. Some small children naturally display some of the signs of ADHD. These include:
However, this behavior becomes an issue if it is causing them problems at home, at school, or with their family and friends. There are some key signs of ADHD that can be broken down into three main types. InattentionSigns that suggest someone is experiencing inattention, include:
ImpulsivitySigns that someone is experiencing impulsivity include:
HyperactivityIf someone has the symptom of hyperactivity, they may be showing signs of:
Often children are not diagnosed with ADHD until they attend school. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that doctors do not diagnose children until they are at least 4 years old. Just because a child shows signs of inattention, impulsivity, or hyperactivity, it does not mean they have ADHD. Some other medical conditions, psychological conditions, or life events can cause similar symptoms, such as:
There are no specific tests that can diagnose ADHD, so a qualified health professional needs to gather lots of information before they can make a diagnosis. Parents, carers, and teachers will often have to give a detailed history of the child’s behavior. The doctor will also observe the child’s behavior and may recommend psychoeducational tests, which are used to identify and assess potential learning disabilities. Share on PinterestMedications and therapy can help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and develop important social skills. There is no cure for ADHD, but there are many treatments that can help people manage the disorder. The type of treatment recommended will depend on a variety of things, including:
MedicationDrugs are often used to help manage symptoms by balancing the chemicals in the brain that are responsible for attention and controlling impulses. Common medications for ADHD include:
These drugs can cause side effects, including:
If side effects occur, discuss them with the doctor. TherapyMany types of therapy seek to address any social, behavioral, and emotional issues that the person may experience. This form of treatment can include working in small groups or one-on-one to help the person develop the social skills that will help them to interact with others. Often therapy can be undertaken as part of the school program for children with ADHD, so discuss this option with both the doctor and the school to find out the best way forward. Although ADHD can be managed, not addressing it can lead to serious problems, so it is important to seek help if concerned. Some things can also be done at home to help the situation, such as:
Some people have noticed a relationship between hyperactivity and eating foods that contain lots of sugar. If this is the case, cut back the amount of sugary foods the child eats. There are many positive aspects to ADHD, particularly when the disorder is properly managed. For example, people with ADHD are often creative, enthusiastic, and have lots of energy and drive. Last medically reviewed on June 7, 2017 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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