New study suggests there are three different types of ADHD making people act differently

A potentially groundbreaking new study suggests there may actually be three distinct types of ADHD which make people act differently.

ADHD UK currently estimates there around three million people living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in the UK, with diagnoses increasing 20-fold increase between 2000 and 2018 (via NIHR).

The condition is traditionally characterised with the following: finding it difficult to concentrate, feeling restless, finding it hard to organise your time and being forgetful.

However a new study suggests ADHD may be more complicated than we originally thought.

According to a study published by JAMA Psychiatry back in February, there may very well be three different types of ADHD which are diagnosed as the same disorder.

So what are they?

A new study has suggested there are three subtypes of ADHD (Getty Stock Images)

What has the new ADHD study revealed?

Research teams analysed the grey matter - tissue in the brain and spinal cord which helps you think, remember and make decisions - on scans from 446 children with ADHD, revealing three 'distinct' subtypes: severe-combined with emotional dysregulation, predominantly hyperactive/impulsive and predominantly inattentive.

Severe-combined with emotional dysregulation

According to study co-author Manpreet K. Singh, this subtype most closely resembles our traditional understanding of ADHD.

Describing the brain circuits as an 'overloaded control centre' Singh told National Geographic that children who fit into this subtype show more pronounced symptoms and 'persistent emotional struggles'.

"This is the very classic ADHD inattention and hyperactivity pattern," she added.

Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive

The second subtype focused less on inattentiveness and more on hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

ADHD UK outlines hyperactivity/impulsivity as a person who talks excessively, regularly interrupts people and fidgets a lot.

"You might describe this as an impulse circuit jam," Singh explained.

The research could lead to more personalised ADHD treatment (Getty Stock Images)

"People struggle to brake on impulses, and it's like the accelerator is strong, the brake timing is slightly off, and traffic flows fast, but unpredictably. You see more hyperactivity and impulsivity."

Predominantly inattentive

The final subtype focuses on inattentiveness, which is defined as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating for extended periods of time and frequently loses items such as keys, phones and wallets.

This subtype is subtler than the other two and can be underdiagnosed.

"Everything else seems to work, but focus drifts," Singh said of this subtype.

What is the significance of the latest research?

Although the study is still relatively new - the researchers also noted limitations with using children currently being treated with medication - the findings could pave the way for a change in how medical professionals treat ADHD.

ADHD treatment is currently a 'trial and error' process, however this study concludes the research could allow more 'personalised therapeutic strategies'.