What Are the Different Types of ADHD?

This guide explains the recognised types of ADHD, what each one can look like in children and adults, and how a clinician works out which one fits.

Clinicians in the UK use two main diagnostic guides: DSM-5 and ICD-11. Both describe ADHD as one condition, which can show up in three main ways, called presentations:

The word "presentation" is used because it describes how ADHD shows up for someone at a particular time, rather than a fixed type they'll always have.

What about ADD? "Attention deficit disorder" is an older term that was often used for what's now called predominantly inattentive ADHD. You'll still hear it, but it's no longer a separate diagnosis. Everyone is now diagnosed with ADHD, with their presentation described alongside.

This is when difficulties with attention and organisation are most noticeable, and hyperactivity is less obvious.

In children, this might look like:

• zoning out in class or seeming not to listen
• losing things like school bags, jumpers and homework
• taking a long time to start or finish tasks
• forgetting instructions part way through

In adults, this might look like:

• losing track of conversations, emails or appointments
• starting projects but finding them hard to finish
• feeling constantly behind with admin, bills or paperwork
• reading the same page several times without it sinking in

Because it's quieter, this presentation is often missed, especially in girls and women. People may be described as disorganised, forgetful or "not trying", when they're actually working very hard to keep up.

This is when high energy, restlessness and acting quickly are most noticeable, and attention difficulties are less of an issue.

In children, this might look like:

• always on the go, climbing or running
• finding it really hard to sit still at mealtimes or in class
• calling out, interrupting or finding it hard to wait their turn
• acting quickly without thinking about what might happen

In adults, this might look like:

• a restless mind or body, and finding it hard to relax
• talking a lot or finishing other people's sentences
• making quick decisions about money, jobs or plans
• getting bored easily and seeking new challenges

This presentation is more often seen in younger children. As people get older, outward hyperactivity often becomes less visible, though the inner restlessness can remain.

This is when both attention difficulties and hyperactivity-impulsivity are clearly present. It's the most commonly diagnosed presentation.

Someone with combined presentation might find it hard to focus on tasks, lose things often and feel restless, while also interrupting, acting on impulse or finding it hard to wait.

Alongside all three presentations, many people with ADHD also experience strong emotions, sensitivity to criticism and differences with sleep or time management. These aren't part of the formal criteria, but they're common and are often explored during an assessment.

A person's presentation isn't fixed. For example, a child diagnosed with combined presentation may find their hyperactivity settles as they grow up, so by adulthood their ADHD looks mainly inattentive. Life changes, like starting secondary school, university or a new job, can also bring different traits to the surface.

This is why reviews are important, and why your clinician looks at your whole life story, not just how things are right now.

Online, you may come across lists of five, seven or more "types" of ADHD. These aren't recognised by the diagnostic guides used by UK clinicians or by NICE. They can be interesting to read, but they aren't used to diagnose ADHD or plan support.

You can't work out your ADHD presentation from an online quiz. It's identified by a specialist clinician as part of a full ADHD assessment.

The clinician looks at:

• which traits you or your child experience, and how often
• whether they started in childhood and have lasted over time
• whether they show up in more than one setting, such as home, school or work
• how much they affect daily life

They'll gather this through questionnaires, information from people who know you well, and a detailed conversation. Only then can they say whether ADHD is present and which presentation fits best.

Knowing your presentation can be helpful. It can make sense of your experiences and guide which strategies and support are most likely to help.

Raiys works nationwide, offering online ADHD assessments for adults and for children and young people aged 5 to 17 across the UK. Our experienced, specialist ADHD team follows NICE guidelines and explains your outcome clearly, including your presentation and what it means for you.

Thinking about an assessment? Find out more about our adult ADHD assessment or child ADHD assessment.

Whichever presentation fits, ADHD is just one part of who you are. Understanding it is a positive step towards the right support.