ADHD but not Hyperactive: Understanding the Different Traits

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a well-known condition, but it often carries misconceptions. Most people are familiar with the image of a child constantly moving, struggling to focus, and being overly energetic. However, there is more to ADHD than just hyperactivity. In fact, many individuals with ADHD may not exhibit any hyperactive behaviours. Understanding these subtler traits is crucial for raising awareness and ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.

ADHD: A broad spectrum

ADHD is typically characterised by three main symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While hyperactivity is often the most recognised symptom, ADHD presents in various forms, some of which don’t involve excessive movements or restlessness. For individuals with ADHD but without the hyperactive traits, inattention and impulsivity are the more dominant features. These individuals might struggle to stay focused, complete tasks, or maintain organisation without being overly energetic.

Types of ADHD

ADHD can be broadly classified into three types based on the symptoms that are most prevalent:

• Inattentive type: Individuals with this type struggle primarily with focus and organisation but may not show signs of hyperactivity. They may appear distracted or forgetful, which can impact work or school performance.
• Hyperactive-impulsive type: This type includes the more traditional ADHD symptoms, such as excessive movement, difficulty sitting still, and acting impulsively without thinking things through.
• Combined type: This is the most common type of ADHD, where individuals display a combination of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

For those who are not hyperactive, it is often difficult for others to recognise that they have ADHD. When there is no visible hyperactivity, people often focus solely on the more obvious symptoms, leading to a misdiagnosis.

Common signs of ADHD without hyperactivity

People with ADHD without hyperactivity still face challenges in daily life, although these may be more internal than external. Some common signs of ADHD without hyperactivity include:

• Difficulty staying focused: This condition might manifest as an inability to complete tasks or frequently becoming distracted during conversations, work, or study.
• Poor time management: Struggling to keep track of time, meet deadlines, or plan tasks in advance is a typical challenge for those with ADHD without hyperactivity.
• Forgetfulness: Individuals may forget to complete tasks, misplace items, or overlook important details in everyday life.
• Disorganisation: A lack of structure can lead to cluttered workspaces, missed appointments, or difficulty keeping track of multiple projects at once.
• Impulsivity: Though not hyperactive, these individuals may still make impulsive decisions or have difficulty considering the consequences of their actions.

Impact on life

Even without the hyperactivity component, ADHD can significantly affect a person’s personal, academic, or professional life. Struggles with focus, organisation, and impulsivity can lead to challenges in the workplace, difficulties in relationships, and feelings of frustration. Many individuals with inattentive ADHD may also experience low self-esteem or feel misunderstood, as their challenges may not be as visible to others.

Diagnosis and treatment

A proper diagnosis of ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation, often including questionnaires, interviews, and input from teachers, family members, or employers. While ADHD without hyperactivity can be more difficult to identify, a thorough assessment will help pinpoint the underlying issues.

Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of approaches, such as medication, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and lifestyle changes. For those without hyperactivity, the focus is usually on improving organisational skills, time management, and coping strategies for managing distractions and impulsivity.

Conclusion

ADHD is a complex condition with a wide range of symptoms that can vary significantly between individuals. While hyperactivity is a common trait, it is not present in every case. Understanding ADHD without hyperactivity is essential for improving awareness, ensuring proper diagnosis, and providing effective treatment for individuals who may otherwise go unnoticed. By recognising the diverse presentations of ADHD, we can better support those who face challenges managing their symptoms and help them lead fulfilling lives.