What should you know about different types of ADHD?

ADHD presentations differ mainly in whether attention difficulties, hyperactivity and impulsivity are most prominent. A person may have mainly inattentive features, mainly hyperactive-impulsive features, or a combination of both. The pattern can look different at home, school, work and in relationships, and it may change as demands change.

The inattentive presentation can involve losing track of instructions, forgetting tasks, daydreaming or struggling to organise time. The hyperactive-impulsive presentation may involve restlessness, frequent interruption, rapid decisions or difficulty waiting. Combined presentation includes meaningful features from both groups. These labels describe a pattern of symptoms, not a person’s intelligence, effort or character. Anxiety, sleep problems, learning differences and other health concerns can overlap with attention symptoms, so assessment looks at the whole picture.

Keep a brief record of situations that cause difficulty, including sleep, school or work demands and how long concerns have been present. Share examples from more than one setting where possible. A Mental Health Assessment can explore attention, mood, sleep, learning and daily functioning. Helpful support may include written instructions, breaking tasks into smaller steps, reminders, a predictable routine and agreed adjustments at school or work.

Arrange an assessment when attention or impulse-control difficulties repeatedly interfere with learning, work, relationships, driving or everyday safety. Seek prompt help if severe distress, unsafe behaviour, thoughts of self-harm, or a sudden major change in concentration is present. Difficulty concentrating can have several causes, so urgent symptoms should not be assumed to be ADHD.

Ask which symptoms are most consistent with ADHD, what other explanations should be checked, and whether information from a parent, partner, teacher or colleague would help. You can also ask what practical changes to try first and how progress will be reviewed.