The 7 Types of ADD/ADHD According to Dr. Daniel Amen | ADHD and Autism in Women Series

Autism and ADD/ADHD go hand in hand more often than you might think. According to recent studies, 30-50% of autistic people also show signs of ADD/ADHD, and about two-thirds of people with ADD/ADHD also show signs of being autistic*.

This video is the first video in my series on Autism and ADHD, and today we’re exploring the 7 types of ADD according to Neuropsychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen. If you’re interested in learning about whether or not you fit one of the 7 types of ADD, make sure you stick around until the end of the video because I’ll be showing you how to take a simple test online that can give you results today.

Keep in mind, these 7 types of ADD are not listed in the DSM-5, which many providers use to make a formal diagnosis. This exploration of Dr. Amen's work is more of an inquisitive look at how ADHD can present and is not a widely used set of criteria.

⬇️ Scroll down ⬇️ for timestamps to jump to a specific section of the video AND a lengthy list of resources if you’re interested in further exploring this topic.

❤️ 🧡 💛 MY FAVORITE THINGS 💚 💙 💜

DISCLAIMER: I am NOT a doctor or medical professional. Do not implement any suggestions in this video without the aid of a medical provider.

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Taylor Heaton
8901 Tehama Ridge Parkway, Suite 127
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⏰ Timestamps 💻

Dr. Amen and SPECT scans (2:06)

Autism vs. ADD (3:45)

Why is it important to talk about ADD (4:54)

ADD Brain scan (5:38)

Type 1: Classic ADD/ADHD (6:25)

Type 2: Inattentive ADD (6:43)

Type 3: Overfocused ADD (7:03)

Type 4: Temporal Lobe ADD (7:34)

Type 5: Limbic ADD (7:47)

Type 6: Ring of Fire ADD (8:27)

Type 7: Anxious ADD (9:09)

Difference between ADD/ADHD diagnosis and just experiencing a few elements of it (9:27)

Can ADD be cured? (9:58)

ADD and Medication (10:38)

Tips for managing ADD/ADHD symptoms (11:13)

📕 Resources 💪

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I'm Tay, a married mom of 2 who was diagnosed with Autism at 31 years old. This was after YEARS of therapy (and all of the self tests in the world!). My diagnosis has brought up questions, frustration, doubt, but most importantly, a new level of self compassion and understanding.

I'm here to share knowledge, resources, and products that empower other neurodivergents (and their loved ones) to live freely and creatively. I'm not a doctor so please speak with your healthcare providers before implementing any recommendations I make on my channel.

Females are under-diagnosed due to lack of research. Please share any videos that are helpful to you so we can spread awareness and acceptance.

Music by Milky Wayvers ("Mountain")

#autism #autistic #aspergers

[leilap]

It is important to know that these types of ADHD are only used by Dr. Amen. The name ADD has not been used since the 1980’s. There are actually 3 official types of ADHD: inattentive, combined, and hyperactive. I am combined. I see myself in each of Dr. Amen’s types. I don’t know how I could possibly pick one or even a few of them. Before I was diagnosed, I took it upon myself to do whatever I could to be more functional, such as adjusting my diet. I used to think that something was very wrong with me. Now that I am diagnosed and treated, I feel so much better. I now realize that my dietary needs have more to do with hypermobile Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome (EDS is highly linked to autism and ADHD). It shouldn’t have taken so long to get relief and understand it isn’t because something I did or my parents did. I used to think that if I just changed my diet and lifestyle enough, I would be more “normal, ” that it was my fault essentially. Dr. Amen adds to the conversation, but a lot of his approach is ableist and outside medical consensus unfortunately.

[NikkiCCoop]

7 types
Classic 6:25
Inattentive 6:45
Overfocused 7:05
Temporal lobe 7:35
Limbic 7:50
Ring of fire 8:25
Anxious 9:10

[bryanmerton]

HI Taylor, thanks for this video! I think that ADHD is still very misunderstood. There are still people out there that think it isn’t real. I think I have mentioned that I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 12 way back in 1971. At the time it was called Hyperkinetic Personality Disorder. It was believed to be a personality problem rather than neurological. It was also believed that most grow out of it. When I realized that I still had issues I was reevaluated in my twenties and was diagnosed with ADD. Of course the understanding and the name has been changed several times since in the DSM. It was ADD then ADD/ADHD and now, according to the DSM just ADHD with inattention or hyper activity or both. Dr Amen’s research sounds very interesting and can’t wait to read some of his work.

As for exercise and diet, I completely agree with you of their importance. I went on a plant based diet 25 years ago as I have always had stomach issues. They completely went away after starting that diet so I have been on it ever since. It worked for me. I exercise daily and have for most of my life. It does clear my brain some and keeps me going. I have never taken any medication but I have friends that swear by. I do drink coffee all day long as it helps me focus. So I guess that’s my medication😂. Throughout my 60 plus years coffee has gone from poison to one of the most important things one can put in ones bodies. But since we are such complex and unique machines one mans poison is another mans cure,

Your videos are so balanced and researched and I think they are important. I appreciate all that you do. Despite my age I am always learning and growing and your content adds to my continuing journey of discovery! Thank you!

[SoularSlothesk]

My mom had utilized his "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life" with my ADHD (which was just dubbed as ADD at the time) when I was put on methylphenidate. I got the stereotypical "zombie" effects and lost a lot of creativity. I started taking a multivitamin and omega 3 fish oils with the medication and it did help quite a bit. I do have to say that I think that people in pharmaceutics should be trying and striving to minimize the negative effects of the medication as opposed to the people that need them being pushed into finding more loopholes. And don't get me wrong, I love the fact he detailed nutrients to benefit people taking these meds, I'm just saying there needs to be a lot more work on the negative side effects to avoid the additional work needed to function as a human.

[SoniaJbrt]

I am so blessed that someone is actually making sense and addressing ADD. It is so much different than ADHD. I have ADD, ASD and generalised epilepsy. My brain is actually bigger than most, my eyes are also bigger than most. I was born this way and finally someone makes sense! Thank you so much for calling it ADD, Attention Deficit Disorder. I researched the symptoms of ADHD, and I don't even have half of the symptoms. So people should stop calling ADD ADHD, cause they can be worlds apart.

[chi-chiiitvvv]

This video is amazing! I would just like to point out that ADD is an outdated term. And it’s all called ADHD but they fall under different categories. Inattentive type, Hyperactive type, and Combined type(which is most common)

[melaniemills]

I find this really interesting, I was diagnosed as autistic 2 yrs ago (I was 42) & I've only just recently also been diagnosed as combined ADHD inattentive type. I'm doing lots of research into it & I've found that many specialists seem to recommend stimulants of all types to help us focus: including caffeine... Have you found anyone else who supports Dr Amen's theories?

[andreaharmon]

I came across Dr Amens book 3-4 years ago as well. I do recall him discussing ADD/ADHD and sensory problems with food. But back then I just read past it. I'll have to pull out my copy and reread it again from an ASD/ADHD point of view. Still not officially diagnosed (taking my time with the autism embrace diagnosis, still) but I'm pretty certain I have ADHD.
Thanks for your video.

[fbysljc]

I have been living with an auditory processing disorder all my life. I was diagnosed at 24 years old. I am experiencing ADHD symptoms. I am now interested if I am on the spectrum of autism. I am exhausted and feel like I have had enough I am so relief I saw this channel thank you

[belorama]

🚩🚩🚩Um saying that caffeine is bad for people with ADHD is objectively incorrect. Caffeine Is a stimulant and is a great alternative for managing ADHD because it's side effects are a less intense version of what you would get with something like Adderall.
It's also been shown multiple times that trying to treat psychological conditions with diet beyond maintaining a basically healthy body, is often pseudoscience.

[AlayaStHill]

I’m just out of the hospital. I hit the wall, burned out.
Now that I am back home it’s like the adhd part of me takes up more space than before. I am all over the place starting up new things and not finishing the “old”.
I would actually say that when I was younger I was much more controlled as a person and stuck to routine. As life has gotten busier; managing a household, children, studies, work, I feel like it’s pushing my autistic side aside. Is that possible l. Do you think it will come back? I need it to not be so scatterbrained.
Thank you for this wonderfull channel!

[Bedonkabonk]

I tried to watch this but can't today. I was diagnosed with autism when I was 54, just a couple of years ago. When I look back on all the mistakes in my life that I can now attribute to my dysfunctional brain -- things that ruined my life and make my future prospects extremely bleak -- I sometimes get depressed. When I'm feeling not like this, your videos often help. So thanks. I'll try to come back to this one later.

[sueannevangalen]

My quiz results showed four possible kinds of ADD. I suspect I may be an ASD/ADD combo more and more all the time.

[Swimdeep]

I feel like “mental health” and “neurodivergence” are different things.
The gentle thoroughness of your video got my sub + notifications. Thanks.

[hildebergman]

LOVE your videos, they have helped me so much in understanding myself <3 I also find them to be medically accurate in everything I have seen so far 😊 Just want to say that I find dr Amon, thruth to be told, scary from a scientific point of view, as I find his work unethical. I follow Laura Clery, and first came across him in two videos she shares where dr Amon diagnoses her and her husband. I have a PhD in analytical biochemistry with some insight in brain imaging techniques, and what he was saying to them was in my view, pure BS. I found myself wanting to like him, because he had clear explanations to everything, but the scientific content in what he was saying was nonexistent.

That said, I also believe that brain imaging is very important in understanding these issues, and I wish it would be done more. I also believe that a holistic view is nesseacary to really help people 😊

[REBEKAHJOHNSON-lhxh]

I barely knew there were so many types of thank you for talking about this!! I am recently discovering I’m AuDHD, so I’m still trying to learn these things!!

[jessicatrimble]

Come on. Don't get this even more hard to differentiate between ADHD and ASD. Never mind I see this is the belief system of one doctor.

[Marcus-kzrw]

Hands down a very good video. Very informative and interesting 😊👍

[hazelaydin]

Thank you for your videos I found out I'm Autistic spectrum and Adhd at age 40 years old today after having two daughter's with are autism

[Sovereign-Prax]

I am sorry to interject, I am sure that you think this is the right way of thinking, is dangerous. Firstly ADHD is not seven different types as stated in the dsm5 it is ADHD and yo are either inattentive or hyperactive or a combined type. Also Autism and ADHD are comorbid which is right, not a mental illness or should be associated as such. Also by your own talking points I get the feeling that you think that one or both can be cured by diet, it's not. It also sounds like this DR is pushing ABA therapy which is so bad for Autistic people. This video in my view further stigmatizes ADHD and Autism, OH the Nazi's who with he help of Hans Asperger where un aliving Autistic people who in there words were low functioning not a term the Autistic community uses, insted high support needs is what we use. if this DR was right the I would have all 7 and Autistic. I think that you heart is in the right place but the information from this book is Misinformation at best, maybe check out some autistic creators on YouTube like page layle or stephphanie Bethany or even Yo Samdy Sam. I come from a place were I was not accept as a perso with ADHD combined type and being Autistic, with bullying and some other very distastful stuff that humans can do to a child and a teenager. I just relly wish these people that firstl gaslight our experince and put us down for a disability they cannot see as just being lazy dumb or whatever the say I have herd most of it.