The Seven Types of Attention Deficit Disorder

By Dr. David Velkoff

What are the Seven Types of ADHD ADD?

According to a popular (though not backed by the American Psychiatric Association) theory, there are seven types of ADD or ADHD, and each type brings its own set of unique challenges. This theory postulates that the specific set of symptoms of the different types of ADD require different treatment recommendations rather than the traditional approach which is to treat all forms of ADD as one and the same. While there’s no scientific consensus on accepting this theory, everyone can and does agree that living with the symptoms of ADD can be a painful and confusing experience that can deny an individual achieving fulfillment in their life.

Our ability to focus is crucial, and without it, many things tend to fall apart or fail. Even more painful sometimes than our own struggle with ADD, however, is the helplessness that comes when we’re forced to watch loved ones, friends, spouses, or children, endure ADD’s negative symptoms.

How does Drake Help Treat ADD?

For 25  years, the Drake Institute of Neurophysical Medicine has provided families with a different approach to treating ADD or ADHD, using a non-invasive, drug-free treatment program capable of delivering long term results. Because the focus of our treatment is on healing the brain and not simply medicating away the symptoms of the disorder, the patient is able to retrain the brain to improve or overcome its own dysregulation or disorder.

In fact, because our process is individually tailored to each person’s unique situation, our treatment is  designed to deliver quality of life improvements for all types of ADD, including all 7 of the different types of ADD listed below. Our treatment process is anchored in research and clinical experience, and utilizes extensive brain map guided neurofeedback therapy which allows our patients to have an opportunity to live healthy, fulfilling lives long after treatment has ended.  

Dr. David Velkoff, Medical Director and co-founder of the Drake Institute, ensures that we utilize the most advanced qEEG (Quantitative Electroencephalogram) brain mapping technology to help identify and examine the different types of attention deficit disorder and their correlating brain functioning abnormalities. The results of brain mapping technology are then used to guide our neurofeedback treatment protocols for treating ADD, which helps mitigate the troubles associated with  ADD while simultaneously providing each individual with a custom-tailored path to recovery.

Over 9000  ADD/ADHD patients have been treated at our clinical facilities (presently Irvine and Northridge) and approximately 80% of them have experienced significant improvement in their focus, mood, behavioral regulation (if hyperactive/impulsive), productivity, and general well-being. It is our goal to not only help people, but also to be a resource to individuals and families everywhere, which is why we would like to provide our readers more information on the different types of attention deficit disorder in order to help promote awareness and understanding.

Note: In 1994, the diagnosis of ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was discontinued and replaced with the diagnosis of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder); however, we still find the diagnosis of ADD acceptable in cases where the individual exhibits only the “inattentive symptoms” of the disorder. These 7 attention deficit disorder types are not recognized by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) or included in the association’s manual, the DSM-V.

What are the Seven Types of ADD?

Again, while there is no scientific consensus regarding the existence of these distinct types of ADD, we still find it useful to discuss them as different people absolutely do experience different sorts of symptoms.

1. Classic ADD

The three core symptoms associated with Classic ADD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.  Classic ADD is similar to what the American Psychiatric Association describes as ADHD-combined presentation. This is the typical hyperactive/impulsive child who also struggles with staying on task. Brain mapping commonly reveals excessively slow brainwaves in the frontal regions of the brain, and frequently abnormal connectivity within and/or between the prefrontal cortex and parietal lobes.

2. Inattentive ADD

Patients suffering from Inattentive ADD often have difficulty with executive functioning such as organization, planning, prioritizing, time management, and self-monitoring. These individuals are easily distracted and/or lack the mental stamina for completing routine tasks that are non-preferred. They typically are not a behavioral problem since they are not hyperactive nor impulsive.

3. Over-focused ADD

In addition to the core symptoms of Classic ADD, those patients suffering from Over-focused ADD have difficulty shifting their attention from one task to the next. In this scenario, qEEG brain mapping frequently shows the brain being stuck in excessive fast brainwaves of overstimulation, whereby the brain is also functioning in a more rigid and inflexible state.

4. Temporal Lobe ADD

Individuals suffering from Temporal Lobe ADD can be over-reactive or moody, and prone to tantrums or meltdowns in childhood. This type of Temporal Lobe ADD can be associated with memory problems and difficulties in auditory processing.

5. Limbic ADD

In addition to the core symptoms of ADHD, sufferers of Limbic ADD may experience increased feelings of guilt, possible moodiness, and, in some cases,  damaged self-esteem. Limbic ADD affects a group of structures within the brain involved in our “flight” or “fight” response system, leaving the individual feeling excessively and unrealistically threatened at times by stressors.

6. Ring of Fire ADD

Ring of Fire ADD is characterized by over activity in a global sense, meaning that the brain is over stimulated in multiple areas. Those suffering from Ring of Fire ADD may experience an increase in anxiety, racing thoughts, difficulty falling asleep or sleeping through the night. This person might also be emotionally over reactive and quick to anger.

7. Anxious ADD

Sufferers of Anxious ADD are often afflicted by additional symptoms of stress which may include headaches, digestive problems, difficulty falling asleep and low self-esteem. Brain mapping reveals dysregulation in brain networks involving the prefrontal cortex, limbic areas, and the insula.

Get Help with ADD

The Drake Institute is dedicated to providing the most sophisticated qEEG brain mapping technology and neurofeedback treatment uniquely suited to treat your specific form of ADD. Our treatment process has proven to be clinically effective in approximately 80% of patients over the past 25 years. No matter which of these 7 types of ADD you suffer from, we can help.

Call us today to schedule a no-cost screening consultation and get the help that you or a loved one needs.