ADHD Subtypes
Evidence Based Answers
Does your ADHD subtype affect how we you respond to treatment?
Reviewed by Charles Li, MD
January 1, 2024
💊
Different ADHD Subtypes Respond Differently to Treatment
Children with combined or hyperactive ADHD subtypes often respond better to treatments like Ritalin compared to those with inattentive ADHD.
🧑🎓
Inattentive ADHD is the Most Common Subtype in Children
Among children, inattentive ADHD is found to be the most common subtype, affecting their ability to focus.
🔄
ADHD Subtypes Can Change from Childhood to Adolescence
ADHD is not static; its subtypes and symptoms can evolve as children grow, requiring ongoing monitoring.
Answer Explorer
ADHD
Ritalin
Cognition
Medication
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety
Therapy
Understanding ADHD and Its Subtypes
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects a person's ability to focus, stay still, or control impulsive behaviors. There are different types of ADHD, depending on the symptoms an individual has. These include inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, and a combined type that involves both inattention and hyperactivity.
ADHD Basics
ADHD Diagnostic Symptoms
Attention Deficit Symptoms
Hyperactive Symptoms
Requirements
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg
xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24"
width="100%" height="auto" >%0A%3Cpath%20d%3D%22M11%202V4.07C7.38%204.53%204.53%207.38%204.07%2011H2V13H4.07C4.53%2016.62%207.38%2019.47%2011%2019.93V22H13V19.93C16.62%2019.47%2019.47%2016.62%2019.93%2013H22V11H19.93C19.47%207.38%2016.62%204.53%2013%204.07V2M11%206.08V8H13V6.09C15.5%206.5%2017.5%208.5%2017.92%2011H16V13H17.91C17.5%2015.5%2015.5%2017.5%2013%2017.92V16H11V17.91C8.5%2017.5%206.5%2015.5%206.08%2013H8V11H6.09C6.5%208.5%208.5%206.5%2011%206.08ZM12%2011C11.45%2011%2011%2011.45%2011%2012C11%2012.55%2011.45%2013%2012%2013C12.55%2013%2013%2012.55%2013%2012C13%2011.45%2012.55%2011%2012%2011Z%22%20fill%3D%22rgba(64%2C%20242%2C%20237%2C%201)%22%3E%3C%2Fpath%3E%0A%0A</svg>)
Attention Deficit Symptoms
Difficulty paying attention to details and may often make careless errors
Difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities
Often may not seem to listen when spoken to
Often doesn't follow through on assignments and tasks
Difficulty organizing tasks and activities
Often avoids or dislikes tasks that require focus and sustained mental effort
Loses important items, such as keys, wallets, and homework
Often distracted by the surrounding environment
Forgetful in daily activities such as paying bills, doing chores, running errands.
DSM-5
Prevalence of ADHD Subtypes Among Children
Studies have indicated that inattention is often the most common subtype of ADHD. A visual abstract based on research in Australia shows that among children aged 6 to 17, inattentive ADHD was the most prevalent subtype:
ADHD Treatment: Ritalin's Role
Ritalin, or methylphenidate, is a commonly prescribed medication for treating ADHD. It helps improve focus and reduce hyperactive and impulsive behavior.
Response to ADHD Treatment Based on Subtype
One pivotal study explored how different ADHD subtypes respond to treatment with Ritalin. Interestingly, it was found that children with combined or hyperactive ADHD subtypes tended to have a better response to the treatment compared to those with the inattentive subtype. This finding is significant as it suggests that the type of ADHD can influence how well a treatment works.
The effects of ADHD subtypes
The type of subtype that a person has can affect their quality of life. The combined subtype, where someone has significant hyperactive and inattentive symptoms, has been linked with more challenges:
Shifting ADHD Subtypes Over Time
Interestingly, a significant percentage of children with ADHD shift subtypes over time. This is particularly true for the Hyperactive-Impulsive type. This shift in subtypes underscores the dynamic nature of ADHD and the need for flexible treatment approaches that can adapt to changes in symptoms and subtype.
A significant percentage of children with ADHD shift subtypes, with the highest shift in Hyperactive-Impulsive type.
In conclusion, ADHD is a complex disorder with varying subtypes that can influence how individuals respond to treatments like Ritalin. Understanding these differences is crucial for tailoring treatment plans to be the most effective for each subtype.
Key Takeaways
🔍
Screening for ADHD is Important
Since ADHD is common and treatable, getting screened can help identify the specific subtype and guide effective treatment.
👩⚕️
Accurate Diagnosis of ADHD Subtype is Crucial
Different subtypes of ADHD have varying effects; a proper diagnosis is key for effective treatment, especially for those with combined subtypes.
💡
Consider Treatment for All ADHD Subtypes
All ADHD subtypes, including inattentive and combined, are likely to respond to medications like Ritalin, making treatment a viable option.