SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN ADHD BRAIN

Here are some of the signs and symptoms people with ADHD might experience while going through their neurodevelopmental disorder. Please do take note that ADHD is a complex condition and may produce different variations or show different kinds of symptoms apart from the ones listed below. Whichever you may experience, do seek help for a medical health professional's guidance.

What are the Types of ADHD?

According to research[1], ADHD can be classified into three major types:
‍
     ◾ADHD Impulsive/Hyperactive Type
     ◾ADHD Inattentive/Distracted Type
     ◾ADHD Combined Type
‍
To diagnose ADHD, physicians use the DSM-5's behavioral symptoms outlined for each presentation.
Understanding each classification may help us be more specific when it comes to diagnosing and recognizing an ADHD Symptom, and can also allow us to have a proper approach and support to people with ADHD.

Understanding  and Experiencing ADHD Symptoms

Some ADHD Symptoms are more common than others, and some people might experience them while others may not; however, someone who has all of the typical ADHD symptoms does not necessarily mean they are affected by ADHD the most.

Having ADHD is a complex experience and varies for different individuals. It is important for us to have a strong understanding of this condition and give the utmost support to those who are affected by it.

What are ADHD Symptoms for each ADHD type?

Hyperactive ADHD Symptoms

A person that falls under the ADHD Hyperactive type may experience some of the following ADHD traits:

      ◾May be always "on-the-go"
      ◾Can produce 1000 ideas simultaneously
      ◾Can talk a lot and very fast
      ◾May seem to have an unlimited supply of energy
      ◾Fidgets and cannot sit still
      ◾May be impulsive and makes decisions quickly

Inattentive ADHD Symptoms

When a person with ADHD is diagnosed with an Inattentive ADHD type, he or she may experience these ADHD symptoms:

        ◾Daydreams a lot
        ◾Seems like not listening to a conversation
        ◾Forgets a lot of things
        ◾May struggle with organization
        ◾May have a hard time doing difficult tasks

Combined Type ADHD Symptoms

For a person to be considered under the Combined Type ADHD category, he may possess some Hyperactive ADHD characteristics and inattentive ADHD symptoms. This category is the most common classification of ADHD, according to studies. Some people may experience having an impulsive behavior while exhibiting distractibility and inattention.[2]

What are the Most Common ADHD Symptoms?

Apart from the examples listed above, some ADHD symptoms may be exhibited regardless of which category they may fall. These are some of the most common ADHD traits a person with such a condition may have:

      ◾Being easily distracted
      ◾Interrupting conversations
      ◾Spending time looking for things
      ◾Feeling restless and exhausted

Can you hide an ADHD Symptom?  

Yes. There are certain instances that a person chooses to hide their ADHD symptoms. This event is called ADHD Masking. It is where a person intentionally suppresses their symptoms so they can fit in their environment. Masking an ADHD trait is hard and exhausting because a person undergoing this condition may compensate and try to hide their real characteristics.

Are there instances that some of the symptoms are different from the diagnosis?

There are times that you fall under a certain ADHD type however you do not exhibit some of its symptoms. As we always say, ADHD Symptoms aren't absolute and exact. There may be times that you have Hyperactive ADHD and you don't show any hyperactivity at all. As mentioned earlier, the ADHD category is a complex experience and varies from person to person. We need to understand that each individual has their own unique way of having ADHD.

Some people think that having ADHD should always be like this or that. This is called stereotyping and can sometimes be difficult to a person with ADHD.

Restlessness
Mood swings
Impulsiveness
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
Restlessness
Mood swings
Impulsiveness

ADHD stories about this topic

Amy, diagnosed with ADHD at 21 in Costa Rica

Age:
21
Costa Rica
Diagnosed at:
21

1. What made you decide to have your diagnosis?

Finally acceptance. I have a brother with advance TEA so I didn't want to admit that I am not neurotypical either. But I knew that I needed help. Also studying psychology helped a lot

Read the full story

ADHD stories about this topic

Looking back, what was an obvious ADHD trait in your childhood?

“My parents always called me a daydreamer, constantly lost in my own world, was frequently locked out of the house when I forgot keys, could never keep my room clean no matter how much I wanted too...”

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