Which ADHD Type Do I Have? Quiz
The Three Official Types of ADHD (And What They Actually Look Like)
The diagnostic manual lists three types of ADHD, but honestly, these labels can be a bit misleading because most people don't fit neatly into just one category. Think of them more like primary flavors that can mix and match.
ADHD Inattentive Type (What Used to Be Called ADD)
This is the one that gets missed the most, especially in girls and women, because it doesn't match the stereotype of the hyperactive kid bouncing off the walls.
What it actually looks like:
You're the daydreamer, the one who seems to be listening but is actually thinking about seventeen different things. You might be really good at starting projects but terrible at finishing them. You lose things constantly—keys, phone, that important document you just had five minutes ago.
You probably struggle with what people call "executive function"—basically, the brain's ability to organize, plan, and get things done. You might be chronically late not because you don't care, but because time is this weird, slippery concept that your brain can't quite grasp.
Detail work is your nemesis. You can see the big picture perfectly, but ask you to proofread something or fill out forms? Torture. You make "careless" mistakes that aren't really careless—your brain just skips over details that seem boring or unnecessary.
You might seem like you're "not trying hard enough" when really, you're trying twice as hard as everyone else just to keep up with basic daily tasks.
ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This is the one most people think of when they hear "ADHD"—the stereotype of the kid (usually a boy) who can't sit still and acts without thinking.
What it actually looks like:
You might be the person who talks fast, interrupts people (not because you're rude, but because you'll forget what you wanted to say), and has trouble waiting for anything. Your brain and your body both need constant stimulation.
You probably struggle with impulse control in ways that go beyond just blurting things out. Maybe you make purchases you didn't plan to make, or you agree to things without thinking through the consequences. You might change your mind frequently or jump from one idea to another.
Sitting still for long periods is genuinely uncomfortable. You might fidget, bounce your leg, play with things in your hands, or find other ways to keep your body moving even when you're supposed to be still.
You're probably great in crisis situations because your brain thrives on urgency and excitement, but you struggle with routine, boring tasks that require sustained attention.
ADHD Combined Type
Plot twist: most people with ADHD actually have this type, which means you get to experience symptoms from both categories. Lucky you, right?
What it actually looks like:
You're inconsistent in ways that might confuse people (including yourself). Some days you can focus for hours; other days you can't concentrate for five minutes. Sometimes you're bouncing off the walls; sometimes you're spacing out completely.
You might hyperfocus on things that interest you to the point where you forget to eat, sleep, or attend to other responsibilities. But when it comes to boring stuff? Your brain literally feels like it's shutting down.
You probably have a complicated relationship with routines—you know they help, but they feel restrictive and hard to maintain. You might start a million different organizational systems but struggle to stick with any of them consistently.
Cultural and Environmental Factors
Your family background, socioeconomic status, school environment, and cultural expectations all affect how your ADHD shows up and whether it gets recognized.
Some cultures value traits like sitting still and following directions more than others. Some families are more tolerant of high energy or scattered thinking. Some schools are better at accommodating different learning styles.
You might have learned to mask your symptoms so well that even you don't realize you have ADHD until something changes in your environment.
The Problem with Labels (And Why They Still Matter)
Here's the thing about ADHD types: they're useful for understanding patterns, but they're not really separate conditions. Your brain doesn't neatly fit into one category and stay there forever.
Your ADHD type can change over time. You might have been hyperactive as a kid but be more inattentive as an adult. You might have different symptoms during stressful periods versus calm periods.
You probably have symptoms from multiple types. Most people with ADHD experience some combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—just in different proportions.
Hormones affect everything. For women especially, ADHD symptoms can fluctuate dramatically based on menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Your "type" might literally change from week to week.
Medications and coping strategies can mask certain symptoms. You might naturally be more hyperactive-impulsive, but if you've developed good coping skills, you might appear more inattentive.
So why do the types matter at all? Because understanding your primary patterns can help you:
Choose the right treatments and strategies for your specific brain
Explain your experiences to healthcare providers, family, and friends
Understand why certain things are hard for you while others come naturally
Find the right accommodations at work or school
Connect with other people who have similar experiences
Which ADHD Type Do I Have?
Educational exploration of ADHD presentations - Not a diagnostic tool
🚨 CRITICAL MEDICAL DISCLAIMER - MUST READ
Only qualified healthcare professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, neurologists) can diagnose ADHD and determine which presentation type you may have. This quiz is for educational and self-awareness purposes only.
- ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Type - Difficulty with focus, organization, and attention (formerly called ADD)
- ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type - Primarily hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms
- ADHD Combined Type - Significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity
- Presentations can change over time - Your ADHD presentation may shift as you age or circumstances change
- Professional evaluation is required - ADHD diagnosis involves comprehensive clinical assessment
- Many conditions share symptoms - Anxiety, depression, trauma, thyroid issues, and other conditions can mimic ADHD
- Childhood onset is required - Symptoms must have been present before age 12
- Multiple settings affected - Symptoms must occur in at least two settings (home, work, school, social)
- Functional impairment is necessary - Symptoms must significantly impact daily functioning
- Different presentations need different approaches - Treatment strategies may vary based on your specific presentation
Important Considerations:
- ADHD presentations can be influenced by age, gender, life circumstances, and coping strategies
- Many adults, especially women, are diagnosed later in life as understanding of ADHD evolves
- Co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression can mask or complicate ADHD symptoms
- Effective treatments exist for all ADHD presentations when properly diagnosed and managed
- Self-understanding can be helpful, but professional guidance is essential for accurate assessment
Professional ADHD Resources:
• CHADD National Resource Center: 1-800-233-4050
• ADDitude Magazine: Online ADHD resources and support
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
If you suspect you have ADHD or want to understand your presentation type, please seek evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in ADHD assessment.
Your Result
Support for ADHD Management
Individual Therapy
- Receive proper ADHD evaluation and diagnosis
- Learn coping strategies specific to your ADHD presentation
- Develop organizational and time management skills
- Address co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression
- Build self-esteem and work through ADHD-related challenges
Couples Therapy
- Help partners understand different ADHD presentations
- Improve communication about ADHD symptoms and needs
- Develop supportive strategies for both partners
- Address relationship stress caused by ADHD symptoms
- Create household systems that work for neurodivergent brains
Ready to Understand Your ADHD Better?
Whether you're seeking ADHD evaluation, learning about different presentations, or developing management strategies, our qualified therapists can provide proper assessment and evidence-based support tailored to your specific needs.
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