Symptoms

There are three core symptoms of ADHD. These are: inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. ADHD is categorized into one of three types, depending on the presence or absence of these symptoms:

• Combined type ADHD with signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention
• Predominantly inattentive type ADHD with inattention but limited symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD with hyperactivity/impulsivity but limited symptoms of inattention

While ADHD may persist into adulthood, the symptoms and subtype can change dramatically throughout life; the hyperactivity of childhood may present as excessive fidgetiness in adolescence and mature into a sustained inner sense of restlessness in adult life. Because the demands for attention increase with age, the inattentive subtype of ADHD may become more obvious in adolescence or adulthood.