Understanding Inattentive ADHD vs Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD: Personal Insights and Experiences

In the vast array of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) types, two common subtypes are inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. While there have been countless technical breakdowns of these conditions, I want to share my personal perspective as one who lived through these experiences.

Inattentive ADHD

During my school years, inattentive ADHD presented itself in numerous ways. It was nearly impossible for me to stay on task and absorb information. Instead, my mind was constantly exploring new ideas and deep thoughts about life, the world, and our environment. These topics were infinitely more interesting to me than the monotonous delivery of information in school, especially subjects taught by teachers who lacked passion for their subjects. As a result, I struggled to remember dates, a challenge exacerbated by my dyslexia.

For instance, history class was a significant struggle. The dates and what happened on them were often impossible to retain, despite my efforts. This often led to poor performance on tests, as the dates would jumble up in my mind. Boredom played a significant role in my inability to stay on task. I would bring a small dictionary to class and hide it in my desk, learning new words while my classmates were being taught. Even mathematics, a subject filled with numbers that seemed to cause chaos in my mind, was another area where my inattentive nature caused issues. I often found myself lost in thought or daydreaming, missing the nuances and calculations in the lesson.

Hyperactivity

My hyperactivity began in early childhood. As a child, I was constantly admonished, berated, and punished for my inability to sit still in any part of my body. I needed to move, run around, and change positions frequently. My need for physical activity interfered with learning as well. Along with my physical restlessness, my mind was always on high speed, constantly producing a ticker tape of thoughts. This often led to interrupting others and blurting things out without considering the impact, as I spoke as fast as I could to get the words out. This hyperactivity in my mind and body caused me to be in trouble frequently, and often, my desk was separated from the rest of the class from grade 4 onwards.

Impulsivity

By the time I entered grade five, I had gained a significant amount of weight, and it was discovered that my metabolism was barely functioning. Upon receiving a high dose of thyroid replacement medication, my hyperactivity and impulsivity intensified. This made it even more challenging for me to slow down and think before acting. I was also drawn to daring physical challenges, a combination that often led to trouble. In adulthood, despite being undiagnosed with ADHD, my attempts to slow down and think before acting rarely succeeded. I would jump into physical activities that sounded fun without fully considering the dangers. Consequently, this often led to bad situations and injuries.

The impact of these behaviors on my life was profound. Medication played a crucial role in managing these symptoms, but as I aged and stopped taking medication, my brain retained its hyperactive and impulsive nature. Even without medication, I often find myself in hyperactive, physically impulsive states, with my racing mind always in the forefront. A recent incident, where I fractured my sacrum bone trying an activity without considering the risks, serves as a painful lesson that I hope will stick in the future.

I believe that my experiences and insights can provide valuable personal perspectives on the differences between inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Many others likely share similar experiences, and this can help others understand and empathize with the challenges and struggles of living with ADHD.