ADHD Combined Type: Understanding a Common and Treatable Diagnosis

Staying focused at work, managing deadlines, or sitting still in meetings can be difficult for many adults. But if you often feel distracted and restless at the same time, it may point to a specific presentation of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) known as combined type ADHD.

Receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis can bring up a lot of questions, and that is completely normal. In fact, learning more about how your symptoms present is often the first step toward finding the right support, treatment, and coping strategies.

What Is ADHD Combined Type?

ADHD combined type (sometimes referred to as mixed presentation ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that includes symptoms from both of the main ADHD categories:

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity

Rather than fitting into one symptom profile, individuals with combined type ADHD experience challenges related to focus, organisation, and sustained attention alongside restlessness, impulsive behaviour, or difficulty regulating activity levels.

These symptoms can influence many areas of everyday life, including:

• Work performance
• Academic progress
• Relationships
• Time management
• Emotional regulation

Healthcare professionals use diagnostic guidelines from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) when assessing ADHD. A diagnosis is typically made when symptoms:

• Have been present for at least six months
• Occur in more than one setting (for example home, work, or education)
• Interfere with daily functioning
• Began during childhood (before age 12)
• Cannot be better explained by another mental health condition

It is important to note that being diagnosed with combined type ADHD does not necessarily mean your condition is more severe. ADHD is generally described as mild, moderate, or severe based on how significantly symptoms affect your daily life.

Signs and Symptoms of Combined Type ADHD in Adults

Adults with combined ADHD presentation typically experience a mixture of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. The way these show up can vary widely from person to person.

Inattentive Symptoms May Include:

• Difficulty maintaining focus on tasks
• Frequently losing important items
• Trouble following through on instructions
• Poor time management
• Disorganisation
• Forgetting appointments or deadlines
• Becoming easily distracted
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort

Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms May Include:

• Restlessness or feeling constantly "on the go"
• Fidgeting or difficulty sitting still
• Talking excessively
• Interrupting others during conversations
• Impatience when waiting in queues or meetings
• Acting without fully considering consequences
• Difficulty engaging in quiet activities

Recognising these patterns can be empowering. Many adults find that understanding the neurological basis of their challenges helps them separate personality traits from ADHD-related symptoms and develop more effective strategies at work and in daily life.

How Combined Type ADHD Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis can occur in both childhood and adulthood, although many people in the UK are only identified later in life after years of unexplained struggles with focus, organisation, or emotional regulation.

The assessment process often involves:

• A detailed discussion of current symptoms
• Exploration of childhood behaviour
• Screening questionnaires or rating scales
• Review of academic or workplace challenges
• Input from family members or caregivers where appropriate

There is no single test for ADHD. Instead, clinicians evaluate patterns of behaviour over time to determine whether both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms are present.

Risk Factors for Combined Type ADHD

Despite common misconceptions, ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, diet, or lack of discipline.

Research consistently shows that genetics play a significant role. Individuals with a close family member who has ADHD may be more likely to develop the condition themselves.

Other factors that may increase risk include:

• Premature birth
• Low birth weight
• Early neurological complications

While ADHD cannot currently be prevented, it is highly manageable with appropriate support.

Treatment Options for Combined Type ADHD

Although there is no cure for ADHD, many evidence-based treatments can significantly improve daily functioning and quality of life.

Treatment plans often include a combination of:

Medication

• Stimulant medications, which help regulate neurotransmitters involved in attention and impulse control
• Non-stimulant medications, which may be recommended if stimulants are ineffective or poorly tolerated

Non-Medication Approaches

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to improve organisation, planning, and emotional regulation
• Mindfulness-based strategies to reduce distractibility and enhance attention
• ADHD coaching to support structure, routines, and goal setting
• Peer support groups, which can provide shared understanding and practical advice

Working with a qualified healthcare professional can help you determine which combination of treatments is most suitable for your needs.

Living Well With Combined Type ADHD

Managing combined type ADHD can feel overwhelming at times due to the breadth of symptoms involved. However, many adults find that with the right diagnosis, treatment, and support system in place, they are able to thrive both professionally and personally.

Understanding how ADHD affects you is a powerful step toward building routines, environments, and coping strategies that work with your brain rather than against it.