Subtypes of ADHD

Predominantly Inattentive

This subtype of ADHD, commonly referred to as ADD in the past, describes individuals who struggle to remain attentive. It’s often characterized by disorganization and distractibility but typically does not include hyperactivity or impulsive behaviors.

Hyperactive-Impulsive

This subtype entails more hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, including restlessness, difficulty sitting and impulsive decision-making. People with hyperactive impulses may not display significant issues with attention. 

Combined Type

The most common subtype is a combination of the two conditions. Most individuals diagnosed with ADHD display both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.

How Is ADHD Diagnosed?

Children or adults suspected of having ADHD must undergo a clinical interview and complete a standardized questionnaire to be diagnosed. There are multiple rating scales, including the Conner’s Rating Scale and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale, that can be used to measure the frequency and severity of ADHD symptoms based in part on the observations of parents and teachers.

A doctor should examine the child’s history and symptoms over at least a six-month period, looking for signs of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that are inconsistent with their developmental level.

ADHD does share some symptoms with other conditions, including anxiety, depression, learning disabilities and sensory processing issues. These other conditions must be ruled out before diagnosing ADHD.

What Is the Treatment for ADHD?

Many behavioral health professionals prescribe a combination of both medication and behavioral therapy. This may include helping individuals develop better coping strategies, time management skills and organizational techniques, and providing specialized training to parents.

Stimulant medications such as Adderall, an amphetamine, and Ritalin are most commonly prescribed. These medications increase the level of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and norepinephrine, to improve attention and impulse control.

Is ADHD Overdiagnosed?

An estimated 7.2 percent of children globally have ADHD. Data from the CDC suggests 11.4 percent of U.S. children between ages three and 17 were diagnosed with ADHD as of 2022, which suggests there may be a significant problem with overdiagnosis. Some studies have shown that between 10 and 20 percent of children diagnosed with ADHD have been misdiagnosed.  

The criteria for what qualifies as ADHD are somewhat subjective. Behavior like restlessness or forgetfulness do not necessarily qualify as ADHD and may just be normal aspects of a child’s development or response to environmental factors. This can lead to misdiagnosis.

Cultural factors can also play a role in perceptions of a child’s behavior. In a setting where parents or teachers have more rigid expectations, what would be considered normal childhood behavior might be considered an abnormal sign of hyperactivity, inattentiveness or impulsiveness.

Some schools or parents might also place unrealistic expectations on children, leading to expected behaviors being labeled as a disorder. Parents with high expectations may want their child to be prescribed Adderall, sometimes referred to as a ‘study drug’, due to its ability to enhance focus and concentration. Adderall, a habit-forming stimulant, can have harmful side effects and a high potential for dependency.

Reliance on the medication for academic performance can hinder the development of coping and learning strategies, which can mean suffering long-term negative physical and mental health consequences for a temporary academic benefit.  

There are also potential gender biases. There may be significant overdiagnosis of boys and underdiagnosis of girls, especially since behavioral differences between genders in childhood may make boys appear to be hyperactive compared to girls of the same age, despite being within normal parameters.

Do You Suspect You or Your Child Is Suffering From ADHD?

The behavioral health professionals at St. Hope Healthcare help many patients experiencing ADHD symptoms. Our team can perform diagnostic tests and prescribe therapies and medication when necessary to help people in Houston manage their ADHD symptoms. Call us at (713) 778-1300 to schedule an appointment.