What Are the 3 Types of ADHD?
Published February 13th, 2025
5.5 min read
The three main types of ADHD are inattentive, hyperactive impulsive, and combined.
Written by Simon Spichak
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — or as it's better known ADHD — is one of the most common neurodevelopmental conditions affecting millions of children and adults worldwide. There are three types of ADHD wjich are diagnosed based on the symptoms.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is caused by differences in the way parts of the brain are wired together during development. It can lead to difficulty concentrating, focusing, difficulty organizing and planning tasks, trouble sitting still, as well as impulsivity and emotional outbursts. Though it is usually diagnosed in childhood, many people, especially women, are getting the diagnosis as adults.
If it goes untreated, ADHD leads to a higher risk of developing other conditions like anxiety, depression, or drug use and can affect work and romantic relationships.
Types of ADHD
Inattentive
People with inattentive ADHD are easily distracted, forgetful, and tend to procrastinate. They make careless mistakes in school or work because it is difficult to focus, and they have trouble following instructions. Some people might zone out and have trouble listening.
Inattentive type ADHD can be diagnosed by a doctor if someone has at least six of these nine symptoms:
Frequent failure to pay attention to details and making lots of careless mistakes on tests, at work, or in other activities
Having frequent trouble paying attention, whether while reading, watching a TV show, or listening to a lecture in class
Frequently, it seems like the person isn’t listening even when someone is speaking to them directly, even if there is no other distraction
Frequently struggling to follow instructions and not finishing schoolwork, chores, or other tasks at work
Trouble organizing tasks and activities, such as booking a restaurant for a date, a party for a family member, or planning out how to complete an assignment
Avoiding or disliking tasks or work that require a lot of mental effort and focus
Frequently losing things like pencils, pens, glasses, or other important items
Easily distracted
Forgetful in day-to-day activities, whether it’s running errands, paying bills, or going to doctor’s appointments
Sometimes, this form of ADHD is written off as laziness or apathy, meaning kids and adults with this form of ADHD tend to be disregarded and have more trouble getting diagnosed. The inattentive type is more common in women or girls than men or boys.
Hyperactive impulsive
Hyperactive impulsive type ADHD makes it difficult to sit still, causes constant fidgeting, and leads to poor impulse and emotional control.
Hyperactive impulsive type ADHD can be diagnosed by a doctor if someone has six of these nine symptoms:
Frequently interrupting others in conversation, games, activities, or using other people’s things without asking for permission
Difficulty sitting still, leading to fidgeting and similar behaviours
Feeling restless, which manifests as running around or climbing in inappropriate situations
Difficulty playing or engaging in other fun activities quietly
Talking excessively
Interrupting other people while they’re speaking or completing their sentences
Difficulty waiting your turn
Always feeling like you’re “on the go”, having trouble sitting still in one spot for an extended period of time, whether its a classroom or restaurant
Often leaving situations that require you to remain seated, like a meeting or lecture
Combined
People with the combined type of ADHD fit the criteria for both the inattentive type and the hyperactive impulsive type.
Treating ADHD
ADHD is managed with a combination of medications, psychotherapy, and other accommodations.
A class of medications called stimulants is often prescribed for people with ADHD. By far, the most common medication for this condition is called Ritalin (methylphenidate).
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) help people with ADHD develop the skills they need to manage their symptoms.
A combination of technological tools, such as scheduling apps, combined with other healthy habits like healthy meals and exercise can also help.
For more information, read our other resources:
How Resolvve Can Help
Resolvve provides you with quick and easy access to therapists who are specially trained to help with ADHD. The therapists help you improve your emotional regulation skills, work on organization and attention skills, and help you integrate productivity apps to provide a boost to your executive functioning skills. Some of our therapists also provide couples counselling.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward treatment, you can book a free consultation with one of our therapists. For many college and university students, the entire cost of the therapy session may be covered by your student insurance.
Please note that this post is written for educational purposes; it is not therapy. If you need to talk to a professional, please book a consultation with a psychotherapist through Resolvve.
