What Does Combined-Type ADHD Look Like?

Posted October 13, 2025 Updated October 13, 2025 Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Combined-type ADHD is the most common subtype of ADHD, characterised by a dual presentation of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Individuals with combined-type ADHD experience the challenges of focus difficulties, restlessness, impulsivity, and a lack of organisation. This mixed set of symptoms can impact various aspects of life, including school, work, and personal relationships.

Unlike the purely inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive subtypes, combined-type ADHD presents a blend of behaviours, making it more complex to manage. Individuals may struggle with attention and focus, often becoming easily distracted or forgetting tasks, while also feeling restless, impulsive, or having trouble sitting still. The combination of these symptoms can make everyday activities more challenging, leading to difficulties in staying organised, meeting deadlines, or maintaining productive routines.

Key Symptoms of Combined-Type ADHD

Here are the key symptoms of combined-type ADHD:

Inattention

Like those with the inattentive subtype, individuals with combined-type ADHD may struggle to focus on tasks, forget instructions, or become easily distracted during conversations or activities.

Hyperactivity and Restlessness

The hyperactive component leads to physical restlessness, difficulty staying seated, fidgeting, or feeling the constant need to move. These symptoms often cause disruptions in environments that require sustained attention, such as classrooms or meetings.

Impulsivity

Impulsive behaviours, such as interrupting others, making decisions without thinking, or engaging in risky activities, are common in those with combined-type ADHD.

In conclusion, because combined-type ADHD involves mixed symptoms, individuals often face challenges in both focusing on tasks and managing their energy levels or impulses.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to Signs, Symptoms, and Self-identification of ADHD.

Written by

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Reviewed by

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.