The Predominately Inattentive Subtype—Not a Subtype of ADHD

Abstract

The history of the classification of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is rife with controversies, none more longstanding than the validity of the inattentive subtype. Prior to the introduction of this disorder with the publication of DSM–III in 1980 (American Psychiatric Association, 1980), the literature had not raised the possibility that children may have significant attentional problems without the concomitant overactivity and impulsivity. Since the introduction of the inattentive subtype, a large number of studies have appeared that examine the validity of this subtype of ADHD by identifying commonalities and differences between the two subtypes of ADHD—those with concomitant hyperactivity and impulsivity (ADHD/C) and those with attention problems alone (ADHD/I). As the literature addressing this issue grew, a number of reviews appeared that argued for the validity of the inattentive subtype (e.g. Lahey & Willcutt, 2000). A special issue of The ADHD Report (February, 2001) was devoted to this topic.