What should you know about two types of ADHD?

Inattentive symptoms can include losing track of instructions, overlooking details, struggling to organise tasks, misplacing items, or finding sustained concentration difficult. Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms can include constant movement, excessive talking, interrupting, difficulty waiting, or acting before thinking. A combined presentation contains enough features from both groups. The pattern is not defined by one busy day or occasional forgetfulness. Clinicians consider how symptoms began, whether they occur in more than one setting, and whether they interfere with learning, work, relationships, sleep, or daily safety. Anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, learning differences, and other health conditions can produce similar difficulties or occur alongside ADHD.

Keep a brief record of situations in which attention, activity, or impulse control causes difficulty, including what helps and whether the pattern is present at home, school, or work. Gather observations from a parent, partner, teacher, or colleague when appropriate. A mental health assessment may include conversation, questionnaires, developmental history, and checks for other explanations. Support can involve practical routines, environmental changes, therapy, coaching, and medication when prescribed. The plan should match the person’s age, health, goals, and responsibilities.

Arrange an assessment when persistent concentration, restlessness, or impulsivity is affecting education, employment, relationships, driving, or self-care. Seek prompt help if severe anxiety, irritability, low mood, unsafe impulsive behaviour, or thoughts of self-harm appear. These concerns need attention in their own right and should not be attributed to ADHD without assessment.

Ask which symptoms support an inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined presentation; what other conditions should be considered; and which supports can begin before an assessment is complete. Ask how progress will be reviewed if treatment is offered.