Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people in the world. In the US alone, it is estimated that at least two to four million children and four to five million adults are diagnosed with this disorder. Characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness, ADHD has been categorized into three different types in order to easily describe and diagnose the type of ADHD disorder that the ADHD person is suffering from. Knowing the type of ADHD the patient has may help doctors find appropriate treatment plans to address the symptoms of the disorder.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD
The first type of ADHD is known as the hyperactive-impulsive type. Children with this type of ADHD show signs of hyperactivity and impulsivity. They may have difficulty to remain seated and may at all times want to run around and climb at the most inappropriate places. They may also fidget and squirm in their seats, unable to stay put and relax. They have difficulty playing quietly and may have problems taking turns. They do not have patience. In addition, they may talk nonstop and may blurt out answers even before being asked. Likewise, they are known to interrupt people. They act before they think of the consequences of their actions.
ADHD Inattentive Type
The second type of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is called the ADHD inattentive type. Children categorized under this type of ADHD show signs of inattentiveness. They appear not to listen when talked to and may have difficulty paying attention to details. Children diagnosed of having ADHD inattentive type may also tend to be very forgetful. They may be easily distracted and may have difficulty focusing and finishing assigned tasks. They easily get bored especially when doing repetitive tasks. Moreover, they may have difficulty following and understanding even simple instructions.
Combined Type
The third type and the most common type of ADHD in children is the combined type. This is a combination of the other two types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Children diagnosed to have this type of ADHD show signs of both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Most ADHD children have this type of ADHD.
Diagnosis for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The presence of ADHD in patients cannot be determined through laboratory and clinical tests. Diagnosis can be done only through a complete evaluation of the patient's behavior and learning ability or disability. For ADHD to be ruled out, the patient must have any of the following criteria:
- Hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattentiveness must be more severe compared to the behaviours of other children of the same age
- The patient must have displayed symptoms of any type of ADHD before the age of 7
- The patient must have displayed these symptoms or behaviours for at least six months
- The patient’s behaviour must have negatively impacted certain areas of his life such as school, play and home
Some conditions may mimic the symptoms of ADHD so doctors may have to carefully assess the data presented to them before coming up with any diagnosis. The doctors may have to ask parents and persons close to the child about his or her behaviour and development at home, at play and at school.
Problems that May Mimic the Symptoms of ADHD
Attention Deficity Disorder can be hard to diagnose. Doctors have to make careful evaluation of the child’s behavior and development before ruling out the presence of ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is hard to diagnose because the symptoms of this disorder is similar to that of other problems. Problems that may have ADHD-like symptoms include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, learning disabilities, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD).
