Getting to know

the 7 types of ADD

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 INTRODUCTION
At Amen Clinics, one of the first—and biggest— lessons we learned from our brain
imaging work is that attention deficit disorder (ADD) is not a single or simple
disorder. In fact, there are 7 Types of ADD and each has a unique set of
symptoms that requires a customized treatment plan.

Most of the 7 Types of ADD share a common feature of brain function.

In people who don’t have ADD, concentration increases blood flow in the
prefrontal cortex (PFC), a brain region involved in focus, planning, organization,
judgment, empathy, and impulse control. This helps us focus and stay on task.
BUT, for people with ADD, the opposite happens—blood flow decreases during
concentration. This makes it difficult to focus, and the harder they try, the harder
it gets! Though each of the 7 ADD subtypes has its own set of symptoms, they
generally share some core symptoms.

Core Symptoms of ADD

• A short attention span for regular, routine,

everyday tasks (homework, chores, etc.)
• Organization problems (like having a messy room,
always running late, etc.)
• Distractibility
• Procrastination
• Problems with follow-through
• Poor impulse control (saying or doing something
before thinking it through)

In this eBook, you will learn more about each of the 7 Types of ADD, including
their unique characteristics, some quick facts, and tips for managing symptoms.

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 TYPE 1
CLASSIC ADD
Classic ADD is often referred to as ADHD. The “H” is for hyperactivity and
is one of the more notable symptoms of this type. In addition to decreased
blood flow in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during concentration, brain
imaging studies show blood flow in the cerebellum and left and right
basal ganglia (structures deep within the brain that help produce the
neurotransmitter dopamine) decreases with concentration as well.

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 TYPE 1
CLASSIC ADD
Symptoms of Classic ADD
In addition to the core symptoms listed on page 2, the unique
characteristics of Classic ADD include:

• Has trouble listening when others are speaking;

frequently interrupts

• Makes careless mistakes/poor attention to detail

• Hyperactivity

• Restlessness

• Has difficulty waiting their turn

• Acts as though they’re driven by a motor

• Talks excessively

3 Quick Facts about Classic ADD

1
Classic ADD is the most common diagnosis of the 7 types
and is the easiest to recognize.

As babies, they tend to be colicky, active, and wiggly. As children, they tend

2 to be noisy, impulsive, and demanding. Their hyperactivity, constant need

for excitement, and conflict-seeking behavior typically make them the
center of attention.

3
Parents of these kids are often tired, overwhelmed, and even
embarrassed by the behavior of their non-stop, hard-to-control children.

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 TYPE 1
CLASSIC ADD
3 Tips for Managing the Symptoms
of Classic ADD
To help improve concentration, frequent movement is essential. The more

1 that exercise is incorporated into mundane activities, the easier it will be to

concentrate.

2
Children with Type 1 are more focused when educational or clean-up
tasks are presented as a race, obstacle course, or other fun game.

Having an organized and creative work environment will help you focus

3 and maximize productivity. Also, get up from your desk at least once an
hour and move around!

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 TYPE 2
INATTENTIVE ADD
The brain imaging findings seen with Inattentive ADD are usually the same
as with Type 1 ADD— decreased activity during concentration in the PFC,
cerebellum, and basal ganglia. One of the biggest behavioral differences
between these two types is Inattentive ADD is not hyperactive—in fact,
they can be quite the opposite!

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 TYPE 2
INATTENTIVE ADD
Symptoms of Inattentive ADD
In addition to the core symptoms (except for impulsivity) listed on page 2,
the unique characteristics of Inattentive ADD include:

• Difficulty maintaining focus

• Tendency to lose things

• Making careless mistakes; poor attention to detail

• Complaints of being bored

• Appearing unmotivated or apathetic

• Being tired, sluggish, or slow moving

• Appearing “spacey” or preoccupied

3 Quick Facts about Inattentive ADD

Because people with this type don’t show the impulsive and

1 hyperactive traits typically associated with ADD, many of them

are never properly diagnosed.

2
Adolescents with Inattentive ADD may struggle with stress, time
management, and chronic anxiety.

3
Those with Inattentive ADD tend to be introverted and may
have trouble finding motivation in life.

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 TYPE 2
INATTENTIVE ADD
3 Tips for Managing the Symptoms
of Inattentive ADD
An effective behavioral technique for Type 2 kids is to set up a reward

1 system: reward good behavior and withhold privileges when negative

behaviors occur.

Children with Inattentive ADD respond better to straightforward

2 directions that establish fair and realistic expectations, so giving

simple and clear instructions is important.

3
Creating a written checklist for your child will help them feel a sense
of accomplishment when they visually see their goals being achieved.

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 TYPE 3
OVERFOCUSED ADD
One of the biggest challenges for those with Overfocused ADD is their
tendency to get stuck on thoughts and have difficulty shifting their
attention. This is caused by increased activity in an area of the brain
called the anterior cingulate (the brain’s “gear shifter”). In addition, the
brain images will show decreased blood flow during concentration in
the underside of the PFC, cerebellum, and basal ganglia.

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 TYPE 3
OVERFOCUSED ADD
Symptoms of Overfocused ADD
In addition to the core symptoms listed on page 2,
the unique characteristics of Overfocused ADD include:

• Impulsivity

• Excessive worrying

• Struggle to see options

• Tendency to hold grudges

• Obsessive and inflexible

• Hold onto their own opinion without listening to others

• May or may not be hyperactive

3 Quick Facts about Overfocused ADD

This type has been mistaken for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

1 Impulsivity is a pivotal difference between the two. People with OCD

typically aren’t impulsive, whereas those with Overfocused ADD tend to
make more impulsive decisions.

2 People with this type have trouble with cognitive processing; they
aren’t inattentive, but rather over-attentive.

3
Overfocused ADD is often seen in substance abusers as well
as in the children and grandchildren of alcoholics.

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 TYPE 3
OVERFOCUSED ADD
3 Tips for Managing the Symptoms
of Overfocused ADD
One way to treat Overfocused ADD is to increase the dopamine and

1 serotonin levels in the brain, and the best way to boost both is with 
exercise. Exercise can help to distract from obsessive thoughts, provide
relaxation for open-mindedness, and boost blood flow to the brain.

3-Thought Cutoff: Once a negative or obsessive thought has repeated in your

2 mind 3 times, get up and do a different activity. Focusing on something else

can help push negative thoughts to the back of your mind.

Write down your goals and review them each day. This helps you evaluate
3 your decisions and adjust your behavior so that you’re working toward your
goals, instead of against them.

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 TYPE 4
TEMPORAL LOBE ADD
Those with Temporal Lobe ADD typically have the hallmark features of Classic
ADD (Type 1) along with learning and memory issues and temper problems.
Brain imaging findings show decreased blood flow during concentration in
the underside of the PFC, cerebellum, and basal ganglia as well as areas of
either increased or decreased blood flow in their temporal lobes.

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 TYPE 4
TEMPORAL LOBE ADD
Symptoms of Temporal Lobe ADD
In addition to the core symptoms listed on page 2,
the unique characteristics of Temporal Lobe ADD include:

• Irritability

• Periods of spaciness or confusion

• Auditory processing issues

• Periods of panic and/or fear for no reason

• Headaches or abdominal pain of uncertain origin

• Dark thoughts (may involve suicidal or homicidal thoughts)

• Possible learning disabilities

• May or may not be hyperactive

3 Quick Facts about Temporal Lobe ADD

1 People with Temporal Lobe ADD have memory challenges and

behavioral problems, such as sudden bursts of anger and mild paranoia.

2 This type has been correlated with previous head injuries (TBI) and
toxic or infectious exposure.

3
During aggressive periods, Type 4 individuals may be defiant
towards parents or authority figures.

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 TYPE 4
TEMPORAL LOBE ADD
3 Tips for Managing the Symptoms
of Temporal Lobe ADD

1
Individuals with Temporal Lobe ADD should consider natural remedies,
such as making dietary changes to include more protein, healthy fats, and
fewer carbohydrates.

Aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain and releases endorphins

2 which improve overall well-being. Those with Temporal Lobe ADD should get
30-45 minutes of intense aerobic activity each day.

To minimize aggressive tendencies and increase self-control, start

practicing the “3 + 6 X 10” breathing technique:

1. Inhale for 3 seconds through your nose.

2. Hold for 1 second.

3. Exhale for 6 seconds (twice as long as the inhale).

4. Hold for 1 second.

5. Repeat 10 times. This will take less than 2 minutes.

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 TYPE 5
LIMBIC ADD
With this type, brain images show the same pattern of decreased blood
flow during concentration in the underside of the PFC, cerebellum, and
basal ganglia that are seen in Types 1 through 4. However, with Limbic
ADD there is also too much activity in the deep limbic system, which is
involved with mood. Subsequently, in addition to concentration
problems, these folks tend to see the “glass as half empty.”

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 TYPE 5
LIMBIC ADD
Symptoms of Limbic ADD
In addition to the core symptoms listed on page 2,
the unique characteristics of Limbic ADD include:

• Moodiness

• Frequent irritability

• Tendency for social isolation

• Frequent feelings of helplessness and worthlessness

• Loss of interest in things

• Sleep changes (too much or too little)

• Chronic low-grade sadness or negativity

• May or may not be hyperactive

3 Quick Facts about Limbic ADD

Limbic ADD is frequently misdiagnosed as depression. However, when
1 individuals with this type are given antidepressants, it can increase their
moodiness and negative symptoms.

2
People with this type often suffer from low energy, short attention
spans, and get stuck on negative thoughts and guilty feelings.

3 High-stress levels are a major trigger for depression in Limbic ADD.

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 TYPE 5
LIMBIC ADD
3 Tips for Managing the Symptoms
of Limbic ADD
Learn how to structure your thoughts and actions. For example, an “all or

1 nothing” approach automatically sets you up for failure which, in turn, will
cause emotional distress.

Create strategies that will allow you to calm yourself down when you

2 are triggered. Essential oils, such as lavender, bergamot, grapefruit, and

peppermint can help boost your mood.

Curb negative thinking patterns by surrounding yourself with people who

3 encourage positive thinking and support conversational bonding. Build
strong relationships with them and with those closest to you.

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 TYPE 6
RING OF FIRE ADD
Unlike the other types, Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by too much
activity in several areas of the brain, both at rest and during concentration.
On brain images it looks like a ring pattern—hence the name. They have
difficulty concentrating because their brains won’t slow down!

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 TYPE 6
RING OF FIRE ADD
Symptoms of Ring of Fire ADD
In addition to the core symptoms listed on page 2,
the unique characteristics of Ring of Fire ADD include:

• Irritability

• Impulsivity

• Sensitivity to noise, light, clothes, or touch

• Periods of mean, nasty, or insensitive behavior

• Grandiose or inflexible thinking

• Talking fast

• Racing thoughts

• Appears anxious or fearful

• May or may not be hyperactive

3 Quick Facts about Ring of Fire ADD

1 Ring of Fire ADD may possibly be correlated with allergies or

inflammation.

People can have both Ring of Fire ADD and bipolar disorder, and

2 some studies suggest that as many as half of the people with bipolar
disorder also meet the criteria for ADD.

3 Type 6 ADD is made worse with stimulant and serotonergic

(serotonin-enhancing) medications alone.

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 TYPE 6
RING OF FIRE ADD
3 Tips for Managing the Symptoms
of Ring of Fire ADD
Try an elimination diet. Through the process of eliminating certain foods—

1 corn, soy, dairy, gluten, sugar, and artificial sweeteners—this short-term

eating plan can help to identify any foods that are causing allergies and
other digestive reactions.

Exercise accelerates blood flow to all parts of the body—including the brain—

2 and increases the availability of serotonin. This tends to calm hyperactivity,

so getting 30 to 45 minutes of exercise daily is helpful for this type.

Kill the ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) that pop into your head and cause

3 you to get upset or depressed. Once you identify an ANT, jot it down, identify it,
and then “kill it” by writing a more realistic version of the same thought.

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 TYPE 7
ANXIOUS ADD
In this type, the imaging studies at rest and during concentration
show increased activity in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain
that is associated with anxiety. At the same time, there is decreased
activity during concentration in the underside of the prefrontal
cortex and cerebellum.

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 TYPE 7
ANXIOUS ADD
Symptoms of Anxious ADD
In addition to the core symptoms listed on page 2,
the unique characteristics of Anxious ADD include:

• Frequently anxious or nervous

• Tense and stressed out

• Predicts the worst

• Conflict avoidant

• Fear of being judged

• Tendency to clam up in social situations

• Physical stress symptoms, such as headaches

• Dislikes or gets excessively nervous speaking in public

3 Quick Facts about Anxious ADD

1 Unlike the other types of ADD, people with Anxious ADD typically
don’t seek excitement and conflict.

2
Anxiety disorders tend to fluctuate over time, while Anxious ADD
symptoms are constant.

3 Taking ADD medications alone can make individuals with this type
even more anxious.

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 TYPE 7
ANXIOUS ADD
3 Tips for Managing the Symptoms
of Anxious ADD
The main treatment goal of Anxious ADD is to promote relaxation, so

1 try meditating, diaphragmatic breathing, and listening to brain-enhancing

music. Find a technique that works for you and use it whenever you
become stressed.

Laugh it off! Laughing releases stress-reducing endorphins into your

2 bloodstream. Laughter truly is the best medicine and can work wonders in
relieving anxiety.

Talk to friends and family and let them know when you’re emotionally

3 overwhelmed. Seek professional help if necessary. You don’t have to

fight your battles alone!

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 CONCLUSION
As you’ve learned in this eBook, ADD is not just one thing, and one-size-fits-all
treatment plans will never work! They may make some people better but can
make others worse. Each of the 7 Types of ADD has a different set of symptoms
and requires a unique plan to help children and adults function at their best.
Left untreated, ADD can have many consequences and can adversely affect
learning, behavior, decisions, and relationships. In fact, untreated ADD is
associated with higher incidences of:

• Depression • Divorce
• School dropout • Obesity
• Substance abuse • Incarceration
• Job failure

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 AMEN CLINICS
IS HERE FOR YOU
The good news is, with the right diagnosis and targeted treatment, people with
ADD can have successful, happy, and fulfilling lives! If you’re concerned about
ADD, Amen Clinics is here for you.

Founded in 1989, Amen Clinics has built the world’s largest database of
functional brain scans related to behavior—more than 180,000 scans and
growing. As a world leader in brain health diagnosis and treatment, our
comprehensive evaluations include:

• Brain SPECT Imaging

• Neuropsychological testing

• Lab testing (when necessary)

• An in-depth look at the biological, psychological, social, and

spiritual factors that may be contributing to your symptoms

We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental

telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults,
children, and couples.

Take the next step to start healing your ADD and enhancing your brain health
by scheduling an appointment. Contact us today by visiting our website at
AmenClinics.com or click the button below to speak with one of our care
coordinators to answer your questions and help you find the best solutions
for you and your loved ones.

CONTACT US TODAY

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