When it comes to ADHD, no one diagnosis or treatment fits all. Everyone is different. The American Psychiatric Association has identified three types. Each has different symptoms, and treatments are based on those symptoms.
Inattentive Type
A person with this type must have at least six of these nine symptoms, and very few of the symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive type:
Not paying attention to detail
Making careless mistakes
Failing to pay attention and keep on task
Not listening
Being unable to follow or understand instructions
Avoiding tasks that involve effort
Being distracted
Being forgetful
Losing things that are needed to complete tasks
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
To have this type, a person has to have at least six of these nine symptoms, and very few of the symptoms of inattentive type:
Fidgeting
Squirming
Getting up often when seated
Running or climbing at inappropriate times
Having trouble playing quietly
Talking too much
Talking out of turn or blurting out
Interrupting
Often “on the go” as if “driven by a motor