Now accepting Telehealth appointments. Schedule a virtual visit.

How Do I Know Which Type of ADHD I Have?

How Do I Know Which Type of ADHD I Have?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic mental health condition that affects both children and adults. While it’s notorious for causing hyperactivity, that’s just one aspect of ADHD. It impacts your emotions, behaviors, and executive function skills, such as planning, organizing, and task initiation. 

At Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health in Newport Beach, California, Dr. Hadi Estakhri is an expert in diagnosing and treating ADHD and knows that the right treatment depends on what type of ADHD you have. 

The three types of ADHD are: hyperactive/impulsive type, inattentive type, and combined. But how do you know which type you have? Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the three types of ADHD

Before you can determine which type of ADHD you have, let’s first take a closer look at each type and its main symptoms.

Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD

People with hyperactive/impulsive ADHD may struggle with both hyperactivity and impulsivity. You may feel the need to constantly move. Other common symptoms related to this type of ADHD include:

Children with this type of ADHD may blurt out answers in school and have a hard time with things like waiting their turn to speak or taking turns in games.

Inattentive ADHD

If you have inattentive ADHD, you may:

While anyone can have this type of ADHD, the inattentive type is more common among girls than boys, according to a review published by the National Institutes of Health.

Combined ADHD

People with combined hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive ADHD experience symptoms that relate to hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention.

Which type of ADHD do you have?

Here at Allied Psychiatry & Mental Health, Dr. Estakhr uses The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) to diagnose adolescents and adults with ADHD. The DSM includes criteria for diagnosing which type of ADHD you have as well. 

The DSM-5 lists nine symptoms that suggest the hyperactive/impulsive type of ADHD and nine symptoms that suggest the inattentive type of ADHD. To be diagnosed with hyperactive or inattentive ADHD, you need to demonstrate at least six symptoms for at least six months that interfere with work, school, or play. 

If you have a significant amount of inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms, you may be diagnosed with the combined type of ADHD.

If you’re an older teen or adult, you may only need to demonstrate five of each type of symptom before being diagnosed with ADHD.

During your evaluation, we review your health history and current symptoms. Because some symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating and excessive energy, can be related to other mental health conditions, we screen for any other potential conditions you may have. 

Sometimes, you may have more than one condition at once. That’s called comorbidities, and it’s common in individuals with ADHD. Dr. Estakhri creates treatment plans that address any and all conditions to ensure that all of your symptoms are addressed.

Getting help for ADHD

Regardless of which type of ADHD you have, we know that the symptoms can be frustrating, but with the right treatment you can thrive. Dr. Estakhri may recommend lifestyle modifications plus medication and therapy to help you manage your symptoms.

Whether you’re dealing with hyperactivity, impulsivity, inattention 一 or a combination of these 一 know that help is just a call or click away. Book an appointment with Dr. Estakhri today by calling us at 949-945-0927 or using our online scheduler. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

Mental Health Comorbidities No One Talks About

Managing one mental health condition can be tough, but some people don’t have just one condition. Many have two or more. Here’s a look at five mental health comorbidities that no one talks about … until now.

Help! I Think My Spouse Is Bipolar

Bipolar disorder is an often debilitating mental health condition, but it can be managed with the right treatment. If you suspect your spouse has bipolar disorder, what can you do? Find out here.

Managing ADHD in Adult Women

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often regarded as a childhood mental health condition, but adults are also affected by it. Read on as we share tips for managing ADHD in adult women.

Could You Have Schizophrenia and Not Know It?

Schizophrenia causes a wide variety of symptoms, and some of them may even overlap with other mental health conditions. This prompts the question: Can you have schizophrenia and not realize it? Read on to find out.

5 Encouraging Facts About PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can feel all-encompassing and overwhelming, but it’s treatable. In this article, we share five encouraging facts about PTSD so you can see the hope for a better future.