Watch this video and learn from the perspective of a person with ADD ."
Type 1: Classic ADD: Characteristics and Symptoms
Classic ADD is a type of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can be identified in early life — babies may be colicky, active and wiggly while children may present with restlessness, noise, talkativeness, impulsivity and demanding behavior. This type of ADD tends to be more pronounced in males and even adults may have a great deal of energy and prefer physical activity over a sedentary lifestyle. Parents of those diagnosed with classic ADD may feel overwhelmed or even embarrassed by the behavior of non-stop and hard-to-control children.
Symptoms of Classic ADD
Classic ADD is a type of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can be identified by a variety of symptoms. These include inattention, distractibility, disorganization, impulsivity, poor follow-through, difficulty listening when others talk to them, making careless mistakes/poor attention to detail, forgetfulness and losing things, being fidgety and restless, difficulty awaiting their turn, acting as though driven by a motor, being noisy and talking excessively.
Type 2: Inattentive ADD
Inattentive ADD is the second most common type of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is characterized by being quiet, introverted and appear to daydream a lot. Those suffering with this type may be labeled as unmotivated — even slow or lazy, which can often lead to the disorder being missed due to fewer behavioral problems compared to Classic ADD, who draw more negative attention.
Symptoms of Inattentive ADD
Inattentive ADD is a type of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can be identified by a variety of symptoms, including difficulty focusing, being easily distracted, disorganization, poor follow-through, trouble listening when others talk to them, problems with time management, tendency to lose things, making careless mistakes/poor attention to detail, forgetfulness, excessive daydreaming, complaints of being bored, appearing unmotivated or apathetic; being tired sluggish or slow moving and appearing “spacey” or preoccupied.
Type 3: Overfocused ADD
People suffering with Overfocused ADD have difficulty shifting their attention and become hyper-focused on certain things while tuning out everything else. These people tend to get stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors, and the disorder is often found in substance abusers as well as the children and grandchildren of alcoholics.
Symptoms of Overfocused ADD
People suffering from Overfocused ADD have the core symptoms of ADD, as well as tendencies towards excessive worrying, getting stuck in negative thought loops, being oppositional and argumentative, having compulsive behaviors, difficulty identifying options and shifting their attention, holding grudges and needing to have things done a certain way or they get upset. They may or may not be hyperactive.
Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD
People suffering from temporal lobe ADD have the hallmark features of ADD, as well as issues with learning, memory, mood instability, aggression, temper outbursts and sometimes even violence. It is not unusual to see this type of ADD in people who have had head injuries.
Common Symptoms of Temporal Lobe ADD
Core symptoms of ADD, memory problems, auditory processing issues, irritability, episodes of quick temper, periods of spaciness or confusion, periods of panic and/or fear for no reason, visual changes such as seeing shadows or objects changing shape, episodes of déjà vu, sensitivity or mild paranoia, headaches or abdominal pain of uncertain origin, history of head injury, dark thoughts (may involve suicidal or homicidal thoughts) and possible learning disabilities are all common symptoms associated with temporal lobe ADD. It is also possible that a person may or may not be hyperactive.
Type 5: Limbic ADD
In Limbic ADD, the prefrontal cortex is underactive during concentration while the deep limbic area - the part of the brain that sets a person's emotional tone, controlling how happy or sad they are - is overactive. Depression is also associated with overactivity in this area. By taking into account a person's developmental history and subtle differences on SPECT scans between Limbic ADD and depression, we can differentiate between the two conditions and choose the best course of treatment to resolve symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Limbic ADD
Core symptoms of ADD, moodiness, negativity, low energy, frequent irritability, tendency for social isolation, feelings of hopelessness, perceived helplessness, feelings of guilt, loss of interest in things, sleep changes (too much or too little) and chronic low self-esteem are all common symptoms associated with Limbic ADD. It is also possible that a person may or may not be hyperactive.
Type 6: Ring of Fire ADD
Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by a pattern of overall high activity in the brain, making it difficult for those with this type to "turn off" their brains and usually feeling overwhelmed with thoughts and emotions. It tends to get much worse on stimulant medications alone, and can be related to allergies, infections or inflammation in the brain, as well as bipolar disorder. Differences between Ring of Fire ADD and bipolar disorder can be observed in scan data and presentation of symptoms - e.g. those with Ring of Fire ADD tend to have problems all the time while bipolar kids cycle with mood/behavior issues; adults with bipolar disorder experience mania/hypo-mania episodes while adults with Ring of Fire ADD do not. It is possible to have both conditions, which is seen in up to 50% of people with bipolar disorder also having ADD.
Symptoms of Ring of Fire ADD
Ring of Fire ADD is associated with core symptoms of ADD, as well as being sensitive to noise, light, clothes or touch; cyclic mood changes including highs and lows; inflexible rigid thinking; oppositional attitude; demanding to have their way; periods of mean/nasty/insensitive behavior; increased talkativeness; unpredictable behavior; increased impulsivity; grandiose thinking; rapid speech; racing thoughts; appearing anxious or fearful and irritability. It is also possible that a person may or may not be hyperactive.
Type 7: Anxious ADD
Anxious ADD is marked by low activity in the prefrontal cortex and overactivity in the basal ganglia, which relates to anxiety. The symptoms of ADD tend to be intensified by the anxiety, and treatment typically involves calming and stimulating the brain.
Symptoms of Anxious ADD
Anxious ADD is marked by core symptoms of ADD such as being frequently anxious or nervous, physical stress symptoms (e.g. headaches), tendency to freeze in social situations, dislike/excessively nervous speaking in public, predicting the worse, conflict avoidance and fear of being judged.
How to Determine What ADD Type You Have
To determine what type of ADD you may have, reach out to Revive Mental Wellness for support. They can help you identify the type and provide tailored advice to manage your symptoms.
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