Understanding of ADHD is still at a very early stage, but what does seem to be true is that there are three main ADHD personality types: Hyperactive and Impulsive, Primarily Inattentive (formerly called ADD), and Combined Type.
In this resource, we will look at each of these in more detail to learn the key features of each, bust some myths and explore what is happening beneath the surface.
Table of Contents
Understanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a neurodivergent condition, meaning that ADHD brains are wired and work differently from others.
ADHD brains are not better or worse than other brains (known as neurotypical). However, the world is designed and based on the way that neurotypical brains work, so those with ADHD may struggle with some aspects of life in a society not set up for the way that they think.
Although it may seem that people with any type of ADHD cannot focus on anything and have no attention span, the truth is that they find almost everything interesting, and they have trouble refining their interests and focusing on one thing before something else takes their attention.
They have an interest excess, not deficit. On top of this, ADHD brains crave stimulation and sensation, and the form that this takes and the behavior that results is shaped by the type of ADHD being experienced.
For Example
Think of going to a restaurant that has all of your favorite foods on the menu. As you read through the options, each one sounds wonderful, and for a moment you are caught up in the anticipation of what it will be like to eat it, until you read the next line and switch to imagining how delicious that dish will be!
For people with hyperactive and impulsive ADHD, much of life is like reading that menu.
Their interest is constantly taken by the next thing that they see or hear, and they feel compelled to react to it, be it by interrupting someone talking to share their thoughts or ask a burning question, or by jumping out of their seat to go and look at something that has caught their attention.
Three ADHD Types
Now let's explore the three ADHD personality types, and what if feels like to have these types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
1. Hyperactive and Impulsive
This type of ADHD is all about action, movement, and finding it very hard to do nothing at all. People in the Hyperactive group are likely to fidget a lot, struggle to sit still, and interrupt a lot when being spoken to.
They are always on the go or on the move and seem to have a never-ending supply of energy. Sitting still or just quietly listening to someone speak does not provide them with enough sensory stimulation to keep them satisfied. They need to be moving, touching, doing, and speaking to feel “right”.
As a result, they can seem loud and interfering, whereas in fact they are just trying to meet their brain’s craving for input.
2. Primarily Inattentive
This ADHD personality type is similar in many ways to hyperactive and impulsive, with the key difference being that it is more mental than physical.
In the same way that those in the first group find it hard to stay physically still and are constantly distracted by their environments, those in the Inattentive category have difficulty keeping their minds focused on one thing for more than a short time.
People with this type of ADHD may find it very hard to stay organized, stick to a timetable, or finish activities as they are so easily distracted by other things.
They may seem distracted and forgetful, when in fact what is happening is that their brain is constantly jumping from subject to subject, all of which seem fascinating to them.
3. Combined Type
As the name suggests, Combined type ADHD includes aspects of both hyperactivity and inattention (though both of these terms are inaccurate labeling of the impact of highly active minds).
Someone with combined type may be constantly on the move both mentally and physically, and find it very hard to settle in either way.
In all cases, those with ADHD crave sensation and stimulation, and when none is available, they may try to create some by speaking, thinking or acting.
Other ADHD Personality Traits
It is worth knowing too that like many neurodivergent people, those with ADHD can go into what is known as hyperfocus.
When something really catches their attention, it can be all they will do or think about for long periods. When hyper-focusing, those with ADHD may even forget to do things like eat or sleep unless they are prompted to do so, perhaps firmly!
Many of the struggles resulting from ADHD are because the world is not set up either to provide the stimulation that these brains need or to accommodate the rapid jumping from one thing to another, either mentally or physically.
However, there are some areas where these traits are exactly what is needed, and in these areas, people with ADHD may excel.
ADHD Strengths
Problem-solving can require great mental agility and the ability to quickly connect what may seem to be unrelated thoughts and concepts, and ADHD brains are often very good at this as a result.
ADHD people are often very creative, putting all that sensory stimulation to great use in coming up with new ideas.
The hyperfocus that comes when something really catches the attention of an ADHD brain can also be a hugely valuable too – who would not want an employee that can focus so intently on their task that they produce a huge amount of work in a relatively short period?
In Conclusion
The key is to recognize that ADHD brains are different rather than better or worse. Just like neurotypical people, people with ADHD have strengths and weaknesses, and these are often shaped by the way that our brain is wired.
The difference for those of us with ADHD is that what the rest of the world sees as “normal” is very difficult for us, and getting an environment where we will thrive can be very hard to achieve.
Put in a situation not suited to us, many with ADHD will really struggle, but when we are able to play to our strengths, we can be and often are high achievers.
We'd love to hear from you