ADHD Uncovered | Types, Signs, and How They Appear in Daily Life

ADHD Uncovered | Types, Signs, and How They Appear in Daily Life

| 8 min read

ADHD is a topic that’s often discussed amongst peers, family, and co-workers, yet despite all the conversation, many people still miss the deeper truths behind it.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about being “distracted,” “restless,” or “forgetful.” ADHD reflects a unique and intricate way the brain and nervous system process attention, impulses, and emotions – and it manifests differently for everyone who experiences it. At Compass Health, we take the time to truly understand your personal journey, offering ADHD treatment in Calgary that honors your individuality and personal experience, and helps you move through life with clarity, confidence, and gentle guidance.

So, what exactly is ADHD – and what are the different types that shape daily life?

A Closer Look | Different Types of ADHD

ADHD isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. The American Psychiatric Association identifies three main types of ADHD, each with its own unique patterns and challenges: 

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Individuals with this type of ADHD often experience a constant and unexplainable inner restlessness or agitation and an urge to move or speak constantly. This can be deemed as impulsivity, which may lead to speaking before thinking, jumping between tasks, or finding it difficult to sit still – even during quiet or necessary moments. 

Inattentive Type

Sometimes referred to as ADD, this type of ADHD primarily affects a persons focus and attention bandwidth. Individuals may struggle to stay on task, consistently misplace important items, or feel mentally scattered despite their best intentions and planning. 

Combined Type

This manifestation of ADHD blends inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive traits, creating a complex mix of distractibility, restlessness, and impulsivity that can affect work, relationships, and even mundane daily routines.

How Are the Different Types of ADHD Diagnosed? | The Compass Health Approach

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis is different for everyone. For some, it can feel overwhelming, for others, it can be a sigh of relief to finally understand the root cause of certain challenges being faced, and many may have a negative experience that leads to embarrassment or shame, but at Compass Health, we approach each unique diagnosis with care, compassion, and clarity. Our nurse practitioners:

  • Conduct detailed reviews of your health, behavior, and life history
  • Use evidence-based ADHD screening methods
  • Explore how symptoms impact your emotions, relationships, and everyday responsibilities

A thoughtful diagnosis considers whether symptoms have been present since childhood, what the root causes are, how it appears across multiple environments, and how it significantly affects your life. This thorough yet gentle approach ensures your care plan is rooted in both science and a holistic approach to ensure you always feel guided and understood, not judged or critiqued for your unique characteristics.

Real-World Experiences | What ADHD Looks Like in Daily Life

ADHD isn’t always obvious; in fact, it can show up in the subtlest of ways, every day. Having a deeper understanding and developing skills to identify these patterns can help you create strategies that work best for you, like:

Hyperactive-Impulsive Type:

  • Feeling constantly “on the go” and struggling to stay still despite your best efforts
  • Interrupting conversations or finishing others’ sentences unintentionally or before you can think
  • Acting on impulses, even when it’s inconvenient for you or is a challenge in social settings

Inattentive Type:

  • Forgetting important appointments, chores, events, or deadlines
  • Constantly losing personal items like keys, wallets, or phones and misplacing them in bizarre locations
  • Zoning out during conversations or while reading, despite your best efforts to focus

Combined Type:

  • Experiencing a mix of inner restlessness and easy distractibility
  • Feeling mentally scattered and unable to focus, while also reacting in what most would deem impulsive
  • Facing challenges with time management, organizational skills, and emotional regulation

Treating ADHD | A Personalized and Compassionate Approach

At Compass Health, we provide ADHD treatment in Calgary that is designed to meet you where you are, with a holistic, personalized approach that balances leading-edge research and compassionate support. Depending on your unique situation, our care may include:

  • Medication Management: Carefully monitored to help with focus and balance brain chemistry
  • Behavioral Strategies: To help you manage, organize, or gain clarity on your thoughts, emotions, and habitual patterns
  • Lifestyle Support: Guidance on sleep, organization, nutrition, and stress management to strengthen everyday flow and functionality
  • Follow-Up Care: Regular check-ins to adjust treatment if necessary, celebrate progress, and readjust to changes in your life

Our goal is not just symptom management; it’s discovering the root cause of your challenges and helping you thrive emotionally, socially, and professionally, turning everyday challenges into opportunities for ease and growth.

Clarity Leads to Confidence | Why Understanding Your ADHD Type Matters

Identifying and understanding your unique ADHD type can help you tailor strategies that fit seamlessly with your life, rather than forcing generic or one-size-fits-all solutions. With the right, curated support, you can harness your strengths, manage those challenges, and regain a sense of control over your focus, emotions, and well-being again. 

Compass Health | Your Partner in ADHD Care

ADHD can feel isolating or unpredictable at times, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Compass Health, we combine leading-edge, personalized care with deep understanding and empathy for your situation. From in-depth assessments to tailored treatment and ongoing support, we’re here to help you live life with ease, balance, and confidence.

Connect with us today to see how we can help guide you through your ADHD diagnosis. 

Blog posts from Compass Health Group are for general information only. The content should not be considered medical advice. If you are in need of professional medical advice or assistance, please reach out to your local doctor or clinic.