Using 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
Symptoms: Inattentive, distractible, hyperactive, disorganized and impulsive. Normal brain activity at rest; decreased brain activity during concentrated tasks.
Cause: Dopamine deficiency; decreased blood flow in prefrontal cortex and cerebellum, as well as basal ganglia, which helps produce dopamine.
Treatment: Stimulant medications, such as Ritalin, Adderall, Vyvance or Concerta, or stimulating supplements, such as rhodiola, green tea, ginseng, as well as the amino acid L-tyrosine, which is a building block of dopamine; extra physical activity; fish oil that is higher in EPA than in DHA.
2. Inattentive ADD
Symptoms: Short attention span, distractible, disorganized, procrastinates, may daydream and be introverted; not hyperactive or impulsive; impacts girls as much or more than boys.
Cause: Dopamine deficiency; low activity in the prefrontal cortex.
Treatment: Stimulant medications, such as Adderall, Vyvance or Concerta, or stimulating supplements, such as amino acid L-tyrosine; high-protein, lower-carbohydrate diet; regular exercise.
3. Over-Focused ADD
Symptoms: Core symptoms of Classic ADD, plus trouble shifting attention, going from thought-to-thought or task-to-task; getting stuck in negative thought patterns or behaviors.
Cause: Dopamine and serotonin deficiencies; over-activity in anterior cingulate gyrus, which makes flexibility difficult.
Treatment: Supplements, such as L-tryptophan, 5-HTP (dietary supplement used as antidepressant), saffron, and inositol (naturally occurring nutrient used to boost alertness, focus, mood and mental clarity); otherwise anti-depressants Effexor, Pristique, or Cymbalta; avoid high-protein diet, which may trigger mean behavior. Neurofeedback.
4. Temporal Lobe ADD
Symptoms: Core symptoms of Classic ADD, as well as learning, memory, and behavioral problems, such as quick anger, aggression, and mild paranoia.
Cause: Abnormalities in the temporal lobe; decreased activity in prefrontal cortex.
Treatment: Amino acid GABA (gamma-aminobutryic acid) to calm neural activity and inhibit nerve cells from over-firing or firing erratically; magnesium to help with anxiety and irritability; anti-convulsant medications to help with mood stability; gingko or vinpocetine to help with learning and memory problems.
5. Limbic ADD
Symptoms: Core symptoms of Classic ADD, as well as chronic low-level sadness (not depression): moodiness, low energy, frequent feelings of helplessness or excessive guilt, and chronic low self-esteem.
Cause: Too much activity in the limbic part of the brain (the mood control center); decreased prefrontal cortex activity, whether concentrating on a task or at rest.
Treatment: Supplements DL-phenylalanine (DLPA), L-tryosine, and SAMe (s-adenosyl-methionine); anti-depressants Wellbutrin or Imipramine; exercise; fish oil and diet modifications.
6. Ring of Fire ADD (“ADD plus”)
Symptoms: Sensitivity to noise, light, touch; periods of mean, nasty behavior; unpredictable behavior; speaking fast; anxiety and fearfulness.
Cause: A ring of hyperactivity around the brain (the entire brain is overactive, with too much activity across the cerebral cortex and other areas).
Treatment: Stimulants alone may make symptoms worse. Begin with an elimination diet. If an allergy is suspected, neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin are boosted through supplements, such as GABA, 5-HTP, and L-tyrosine, and medication, if necessary. For medications, begin with anticonvulsants and the blood pressure drugs guanfacine and clonidine, which calm overall hyperactivity.
7. Anxious ADD
Symptoms: Core symptoms of Classic ADD, as well as being anxious and tense, having physical stress symptoms like headaches and stomachaches, predicting the worst, freezing in anxiety-provoking situations, especially if being judged.
Cause: High activity in basil ganglia (the opposite of most types of ADD, where there is low activity).
Treatment: Promote relaxation and increase dopamine and GABA levels. ADD stimulants, taken alone make patients more anxious. Begin with a range of “calming” supplements, such as L-theanine, relora, magnesium, and holy basil. Tricyclic antidepressants Imipramine or Desipramine to lower anxiety, depending on the individual. Neurofeedback to decrease symptoms of anxiety, especially to calm the prefrontal cortex.
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.
Eve Kessler, Esq., a criminal appellate lawyer with The Legal Aid Society, NYC, is co-founder and President of SPED*NET Wilton, Special Education Network of Wilton (CT), //www.spednetwilton.org and a Contributing Editor of Smart Kids.
Related Smart Kids Topics
• ADHD: An Overview
• Untreated ADHD: Lifelong Risks
Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD — Written by Tom Seymour on June 7, 2017
- Types of ADHD
- ADHD in adults
- Symptoms
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Outlook
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.
Share on PinterestADHD is estimated to affect more than 10 percent of children in the U.S., making it one of the most common health disorders children face.
ADHD is often first identified in school-aged children. A key sign is when their behavior becomes disruptive, and they show signs of:
- not being able to focus
- making impulsive decisions
- being hyperactive
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:
- ADHD, combined presentation: This is the most common type of ADHD. The person will show impulsive and hyperactive behavior, as well as getting distracted easily and struggling to maintain attention.
- ADHD, predominantly impulsive/hyperactive: This is the least common type. The person will show signs of hyperactivity and the need to move constantly, as well as displaying impulsive behavior. They do not show signs of getting distracted or inattention.
- ADHD, predominantly inattentive: People with this type of ADHD do not exhibit signs of hyperactivity or impulsivity. Instead, the person will get distracted easily and find it difficult to pay attention.
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:
- impulsive behaviour
- poor concentration
- risk-taking
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:
- high levels of activity
- difficulty staying still
- inability to pay attention for long periods of time
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.
Inattention
Signs that suggest someone is experiencing inattention, include:
- having trouble staying focused on tasks or activities
- getting quickly bored with a task or activity and struggling to complete it
- seeming not to be listening when spoken to
- having difficulty following instructions
- showing signs of forgetfulness and making simple mistakes
- trouble with organization and planning ahead
- frequently losing or misplacing belongings
- not enjoying study or prolonged periods of mental effort
Impulsivity
Signs that someone is experiencing impulsivity include:
- having difficulty waiting their turn
- often interrupting others
- blurting out answers or inappropriate things rather than waiting to hear the question or to be called upon
- problems controlling powerful emotions, which can lead to anger issues
- taking risks and not understanding the consequences of their actions
Hyperactivity
If someone has the symptom of hyperactivity, they may be showing signs of:
- constantly fidgeting or squirming
- having difficulty sitting down and staying still
- talking all the time
- constantly moving around, including running and climbing
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:
- learning disabilities, or problems with reading, writing, and language
- traumatic experiences, such as moving house or school, bullying, parents’ divorce, or the death of a loved one
- psychological disorders, such as anxiety or depression
- behavioral disorders
- medical conditions, including sleep issues, epilepsy, and thyroid problems
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:
- personal preferences
- the age of the person
- severity of the symptoms
- whether they have undergone different treatment before
Medication
Drugs 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:
- methylphenidate
- dextroamphetamine
- amphetamines
- atomoxetine
- lisdexamfetamine
These drugs can cause side effects, including:
- decreased appetite
- trouble sleeping
- headaches
- stomach aches
- anxiety
If side effects occur, discuss them with the doctor.
Therapy
Many 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:
- ensuring proper exercise and sleep
- establishing a routine for children with ADHD and sticking to it
- observing and listening to a child with ADHD to look for triggers
- organizing daily tasks and breaking them down into more manageable steps
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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//www.rcpsych.ac.uk/healthadvice/problemsdisorders/adhdinadults.aspx - Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. (n.d)
//www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/mental_health_disorders/attention-deficit_hyperactivity_disorder_adhd_in_children_90,P02552/ - Diagnosing ADHD in children: Guidelines & information for parents. (2017, October 1)
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