Right now, ADHD is one of the most talked about conditions in mental health. But it is also one of the most misunderstood.
For so many people the word still brings up the same picture. A restless boy in a classroom who cannot sit still.
But ADHD does not always look like that.
In fact, it has three recognised types and each one shows up differently depending on age, gender and personality.
It could be:
All of these can be ADHD too.
Clinicians now use the word presentations instead of types. The DSM-5 made that change because ADHD is not fixed. It can shift with time. For example, a child who once seemed hyperactive may grow into an adult who appears mostly inattentive. Whilst others continue to show both sets of traits.
Recognising the three ADHD presentations really matters because it gives language to struggles you may have carried for years. It helps you see your own patterns. Most importantly it opens the door to strategies and support that will make everyday life easier.
The three ADHD types are:
But, these are not rigid boxes.
They are patterns of symptoms that dominate right now.
The DSM-5 calls them presentations because ADHD is fluid. What looks hyperactive in childhood may soften into inattentive struggles in adulthood [1][12].
ADHD is built around two groups of symptoms: inattention, and hyperactivity with impulsivity.
When one group is stronger that becomes the presentation.
When both are present it is called combined.
To be diagnosed, symptoms must:
So we’re not talking about your occasional forgetfulness or being talkative. ADHD is a consistent pattern that affects your everyday functioning.
Inattentive ADHD does not shout, it often slips under the radar. These are the people who forget deadlines, drift off mid-conversation or stare at a page without absorbing a word. The classic daydreamers.
Children with inattentive ADHD are often called dreamy. They may hand in unfinished work, zone out in class or forget what was just said.
Adults may pay bills late, leave projects half-done or get stuck in analysis paralysis.
Because inattentive ADHD is less disruptive it is quite often overlooked, especially in girls and women who are still far more likely to go undiagnosed until adulthood [4].
If this sounds familiar, explore our guide to the signs of adult ADHD.
This is the presentation type that most people know. The one linked with being busy, loud or restless.
Children with this presentation type might leave their seat in class, climb when it is not appropriate or shout out answers.
Adults may cut into conversations, make impulse purchases or describe themselves as unable to relax even when exhausted.
Hyperactivity often looks different as people age. Instead of running around, adults may feel restless inside. They may take on too many projects or constantly check their phones. The stereotype of being disruptive hides the truth that this is about self-regulation, not about manners [1][3].
Plus, this restlessness can also affect sleep. See our article on ADHD and sleep.
Combined ADHD is when inattentive and hyperactive impulsive symptoms both meet the diagnostic threshold. It is the most common type in children and can continue into adulthood [9][10].
This type can feel like a double load.
You have distractibility and disorganisation combined with restlessness and impulsive choices. That makes it even more impairing in daily life and it can also be linked with higher rates of anxiety or low mood [2][7].
Getting an ADHD diagnosis is more in-depth than a quick online quiz or ticking a few boxes. It is a detailed process carried out by a trained clinician who takes the time to understand your history and how symptoms show up in daily life.
Clinicians use the DSM-5 criteria along with interviews and reports from the people who know you best. Your parents, teachers, partners or close friends may even be able to give reports if necessary (but this is not essential). They are looking for patterns that run through different parts of your life rather than isolated struggles.
The key criteria are:
This can feel daunting but many people describe the process as a huge relief. For adults in particular, finally having words to explain lifelong challenges can lift years of self-blame. Parents often share the same sense of clarity, seeing their child’s struggles in a new light rather than as laziness or defiance.
You may also hear the term ADD used. This is no longer a separate diagnosis. What people once called ADD is now understood as inattentive ADHD [3].
If you are seeking clarity in Ireland you can access private assessment and follow-on care through our ADHD assessment and treatment service.
There is no single “right” way to treat ADHD. What works for one person may not work for another. The best plans usually combine a few different approaches such as medication, lifestyle changes and support that makes everyday life easier.
Stimulant and non-stimulant medicines can reduce symptoms across all ADHD types. They can help with focus, impulse control and restlessness. The choice really depends on your age, health and whether there are other conditions to consider [5][6]. Whilst many people describe medication as like putting on glasses for the first time. There is a non-response rate of 20-30% showing it’s not effective for everyone[13].
Inattentive ADHD often makes people lose track of details and time. Tools that externalise memory can help:
For some it is about creating gentle structure so the brain does not have to hold everything at once.
Restlessness and quick reactions can get in the way of focus and relationships. Small adjustments make a big difference:
These tools do not remove the energy but help to channel it in healthier ways.
Combined ADHD can feel like carrying two sets of challenges at once. Which is why support needs to be flexible and layered:
The key is not to fight against the brain but to work with it using tools that make life smoother rather than harder.
Medication can help but most people need more than that. Therapy and coaching provide you with the skills and self-understanding you need.
Many adults describe this kind of support as life changing. It is not fixing who you are but about making space for your strengths and building systems that support the areas where you struggle.
Learn more in our guides on ADHD medication and ADHD diet support.
ADHD can not simply be chalked up to laziness, rudeness or lack of discipline.
It is a neurodevelopmental condition that takes different forms.
So, knowing your ADHD type can feel like a missing puzzle piece. It explains long standing struggles and shows you where to focus support.
You might finally understand why you have always been late, why you interrupt or why you can never finish what you start. That clarity is incredibly powerful. And with it comes the ability to choose the right mix of strategies, medication and therapy.
ADHD is manageable. And many people go from feeling scattered to feeling supported once they know what they are dealing with.
Are you ready for answers?
Book your appointment today: ADHD assessment and ongoing management with HealthHero