Subtypes Of ADD: What Do You Need To Know?

2. Inattentive ADD

A key symptom of inattentive ADD is distractibility. People with this form of ADD are sometimes referred to as "spacey" or in a more derogatory sense, "flaky." They are also referred to as "daydreamers" and will often carry on private conversations with themselves as they daydream about possibilities. 

"Couch potatoes" is another derogatory term sometimes assigned to people with the form of ADD. While the slang descriptions may be accurate in defining this form of ADD, just because a person daydreams or spends a lot of time on the couch doesn't automatically indicate Inattentive ADD. But it could.

3. Overfocused ADD

Many people with overfocused ADD are described as "micro-managers," and "detail freaks." Contrary to other types of ADD where distractibility is a symptom, the person with overfocused ADD is often obsessed with minutiae. 

4, Temporal Lobe ADD

We're all irritable at times but a person with temporal lobe ADD tends to be irritable most of the time. This type of ADD is often accompanied by mood swings and a cycle of negative thinking and unhappiness. Like many forms of ADD, learning disabilities often accompany this form of ADD in addition to outbursts of temper and frustration. 

5. Limbic ADD

A person with Limbic ADD is a loner who feels at times hopeless and worthless. Their social isolation is accompanied by periods of sadness and a negative attitude. Low energy along with a disorganized lifestyle and workstyle is also common. Like many forms of ADD, this type of person is inattentive and easily distracted. This is an example of a type of ADD that is commonly treated with ADD medications like Ritalin

6. Ring Of Fire ADD

This type of ADD often exhibits symptoms of Bipolar disorder. People with Ring of Fire ADD are extremely sensitive, easily offended and often confrontational. The cyclic moodiness that often accompanies this form of ADD often interferes with their interactions with others both at home and at work. Anger is a common behavioral response to their environment. This is an example of a type of ADD that is complicated by the stimulant nature of Ritalin at times aggravating symptoms and behaviors. 

7. Anxious ADD 

Anxiety is the primary symptom of Anxious ADD. Specific learning disabilities include an anxious and stressed response to timed tests. Someone with Anxious ADD is fearful of judgment and often exhibits various signs of social anxiety sometimes resulting in headaches and gastrointestinal distress. 

Remember: this is not a checklist.

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All of the behaviors described above fall in the category of very common human emotions that manifest themselves as a response to certain stimulus and environments. What sets them apart as signs or symptoms of ADD is their consistent and repeated occurrence over time. A medical professional specializing in ADD is the only person who can make an accurate diagnosis and recommend a course of treatment.