Much like its cousin autism, ADHD affects people in wildly different ways, so further categorization can be helpful. But the reading on the subject can be tough, so here’s some quick-and-dirty tips I hope you’ll find helpful.
1. Classic ADHD
When you try to concentrate, your brain slows down and you get easily distracted. You may also be hyperactive, impulsive, and disorganized. You need more dopamine, so exercise and stimulants can help.
2. Inattentive ADHD
You’re a daydreamer, likely an introvert. Again, you need more dopamine in your life, so get some exercise! And protein is your friend; go easy on the carbs.
3. Over-Focused ADHD
You have trouble switching gears from one task or train of thought to another. This means you can easily get stuck in a downward spiral of negativity. You may need an antidepressant or a mood-enhancing supplement like L-tryptophan, 5-HTP, saffron, inositol, etc. Also, protein is not your friend.
4. Temporal Lobe ADHD
In addition to everything else, you have trouble with memory and learning, and you can be quick to anger. A good magnesium supplement and some extra GABA can help you stay calm, and gingko or vinpocetine can help with memory.
5. Limbic ADHD
You feel kind of down all the time: sad, guilty, helpless, etc. The mood control center of your brain is going haywire, and you could use some supplements like DLPA, L-tyrosine, and SAMe to even out.
6. Ring of Fire ADHD
Your brain is running too hot, making you sensitive to noise, light, touch, etc. You may also be anxious, fearful, and hurtful to the people around you. Don’t use any stimulants. Instead, look out for allergies and try GABA, 5-HTP, L-tyrosine, and possibly anticonvulsant medication if supplements don’t work for you.
7. Anxious ADHD
You’re always tense, with frequent headaches and/or digestive problems. You often freeze up socially. Instead of stimulants, take GABA, L-theanine, Relora, magnesium, and/or holy basil.
Full disclosure: My primary motivation for making this post was to force myself to finally understand these types once and for all. I hope it’s helped you as well!
Reference: Dr. Amen’s 7 Types of ADHD