Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are two of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in children and adults. While they have similar symptoms, they are not the same condition. To better understand these disorders, it is important to look at the seven types of ADD/ADHD identified by Dr. Daniel Amen, a psychiatrist and brain imaging specialist.
Classic ADD
Classic ADD is characterized by inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, disorganization, and impulsivity. People with this type of ADD often struggle with completing tasks and staying focused on one thing for an extended period of time. They may also be easily distracted by external stimuli such as noise or movement.
Inattentive ADD
Inattentive ADD is characterized by difficulty paying attention to details, difficulty sustaining focus on tasks or conversations, forgetfulness in daily activities, and difficulty following instructions or remembering information. People with this type of ADD may appear to be daydreaming or zoning out during conversations or activities.
Over-Focused ADD
Over-Focused ADD is characterized by difficulty shifting attention from one task to another, difficulty controlling impulses and emotions, rigidity in thinking patterns, extreme stubbornness or resistance to change, and intense preoccupation with certain topics or activities. People with this type of ADD may become fixated on certain ideas or tasks and have trouble letting go even when it is no longer productive or necessary.
Temporal Lobe ADD
Temporal Lobe ADD is characterized by difficulty understanding abstract concepts, mood swings that can range from irritability to euphoria, memory problems that can range from forgetting recent events to having vivid memories from childhood experiences that seem like they happened yesterday; sensitivity to sound; heightened emotional reactions; and a tendency toward obsessive thoughts or behaviors. People with this type of ADD may also experience seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the temporal lobe area of the brain.
Limbic ADD
Limbic ADD is characterized by depression; anxiety; low self-esteem; poor impulse control; anger management issues; hypersensitivity to criticism; relationship problems due to lack of empathy for others’ feelings; compulsive behavior such as overeating or gambling; substance abuse issues; sleep disturbances such as insomnia; and physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches without a medical cause. People with this type of ADD may have difficulty regulating their emotions and tend to be more reactive than other people when faced with difficult situations.
Ring Of Fire ADHD (“ADD Plus”)
Ring Of Fire ADHD (“ADD Plus”) is characterized by short attention span; highly distractible due to racing thoughts; sensory sensitivities such as being overly sensitive to light, sound, smell etc.; hyperverbal tendencies such as talking excessively fast without taking pauses for breath; mood swings ranging from euphoria to irritability; physical restlessness; impulsive behavior; poor organizational skills; poor time management skills; risk-taking behaviors; explosive temper tantrums; difficulties making friends due to social awkwardness. People with this type of ADHD often have trouble managing their emotions which can lead them into dangerous situations if left unchecked.
Anxious Add
Anxious Add is characterized by excessive worrying about future events, fearfulness, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. People with this type of add often find themselves stuck in a cycle where their worries take over their lives leading them into a state of constant stress.
