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What Is Limbic ADHD?

Written by:

Saya Des Marais

Medical Writer

Medical Reviewer:

Dr. Henry Bradford

Updated: 08.07.2025

Highlights

“Limbic ADD” is a label created by Dr. Daniel Amen, a controversial psychiatrist. It is not a formally recognized condition or subtype of ADHD.
According to Dr. Amen, “Limbic ADD” is characterized by symptoms of depression, like irritability and low mood, on top of the classic symptoms of ADHD.
Dr. Amen’s diagnostic and treatment modalities have been widely criticized by the scientific community. If you relate to the description of “limbic ADD,” see a qualified ADHD provider. It’s possible you live with ADHD and co-occurring depression.

Every person with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is unique, and this condition can present differently in different people. One psychiatrist has labeled seven “types” of ADHD with different symptoms; one of those types he calls “Limbic ADD.” According to him, people with this type of ADHD display mood problems on top of ADHD symptoms.

Here’s everything you need to know about Dr. Amen’s “Limbic ADD” description, including whether or not there’s any evidence behind it and how you can get support.

A note on language: Dr. Amen, the psychiatrist who came up with the idea of these “seven types,” uses the outdated term “ADD,” or attention-deficit disorder. However, the scientifically accepted term for this condition is ADHD. For the sake of scientific accuracy, we will use the term “ADHD” in this article, except for when directly referring to Dr. Amen’s claims.

What Is Limbic ADHD?

Limbic ADHD is one of the “ADD types” outlined by psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Amen claims that SPECT scans — a special type of brain scan — show that there are seven distinct types of ADHD. What he calls “Limbic ADD” is one of them (he also names it “type 5 ADD”) and is characterized by symptoms that look a lot like depression.

According to Dr. Amen, people who have limbic ADD have an underactive prefrontal cortex (the area of the brain that’s responsible for executive functions), and an overactive limbic system (the area of the brain that’s responsible for emotional processing).

The other six types in Dr. Amen’s model include:

Classic ADD
Inattentive ADD
Overfocused ADD
Temporal lobe ADD
Ring of fire ADD
Anxious ADD

It’s important to note that Dr. Amen has faced heavy controversy and criticism, and many of his peers argue that the idea of using SPECT scans to diagnose ADHD is scientifically unfounded. Many bring up ethical concerns, and say that Dr. Amen’s unfounded claims may guide people with ADHD away from evidence-based assessments and treatment plans. These “seven types of ADD” have no empirical basis, and are not recognized by any formal organization.

Because of the lack of recognition, you cannot be diagnosed with “limbic ADD.” But reading about it might help you better understand your experiences with ADHD (and possibly depression).

See a medical provider for a professional ADHD assessment and personalized treatment.

Limbic ADHD Symptoms

Limbic ADHD is distinct from Dr. Amen’s other types because it’s characterized by symptoms that look a lot like depression.

According to Dr. Amen, the symptoms of Limbic ADD include:

Moodiness and mood swings
Irritability
A tendency to socially isolate yourself
Feelings of helplessness and worthlessness
Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
Sleeping too much or too little
Chronic low mood or pessimistic/negative attitude

Some people with limbic ADHD face hyperactivity, while others don’t.

In addition, Dr. Amen states that every person with ADHD experiences the same core symptoms (in addition to the unique set of symptoms specific to their “type”). These core symptoms are:

Having a short attention span for everyday tasks
Being easily distracted
Problems with organization of space and time
Procrastination
Frequent forgetfulness
Problems with following through on tasks
Poor impulse control

The Impact on Daily Life and Relationships

If you live with the symptoms listed in Dr. Amen’s description of limbic ADHD, you’re likely experiencing the effects in every area of your life. The combination of ADHD symptoms with those of depression, like he describes, can be painful to live with.

It may feel hard to get started on daily tasks because of both attention issues and a lack of energy or motivation. Some people find themselves withdrawing from responsibilities or routines. Others experience a sense of emotional numbness or disconnection that makes it difficult to stay engaged at work, at school, or at home.

These patterns can also affect your relationships. Irritability or low mood can cause tension with loved ones, especially when it’s hard to explain what you’re feeling. You might cancel plans, forget important conversations, or shut down during conflict because you feel overwhelmed. Over time, this can create distance in your relationships and add to feelings of shame or isolation.

Limbic ADHD vs. Depression

Again, limbic ADHD is not a recognized condition that you can be diagnosed with.

But, in general, ADHD and depression can have a lot of overlap. Not only can they sometimes have similar features (like fatigue or difficulty concentrating), but they also often appear together. 44% of people with ADHD[1] experience at least one depressive episode before they turn 30.

If you identify with the description of “Limbic ADD,” then it’s possible that you live with both ADHD and co-occurring depression. Depression symptoms can also sometimes mask ADHD, and vice versa.

The only way to know for sure what you’re going through and to get the right diagnosis is to talk with a qualified mental health provider. They can ask the right questions to help untangle the symptoms of ADHD from possible symptoms of depression, and get to the right diagnosis.

"Some core features of ADHD — like low motivation, avoidant behavior, and difficulty focusing — can closely resemble symptoms seen in depressive disorders. That’s why determining the root cause of these challenges is so important. Is it untreated ADHD? A mood disorder? Or something else entirely? Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to developing the most effective treatment plan."

Dr. Henry Bradford, MD

Medical provider at MEDvidi

See a licensed provider for a comprehensive mental health assessment online in 24 hours.

What Causes Limbic ADHD?

Because limbic ADHD is not a recognized condition, there is no evidence-based information available about what causes it. According to Dr. Amen, it’s caused by an overactive limbic system.

We still don’t know exactly what causes ADHD in general. According to research, there are many different risk factors that can make some people more susceptible, including:

Genetics (having a blood relative with ADHD)
Prenatal exposure to nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs
Low birth weight or premature birth
Lead exposure

How Is Limbic ADHD Diagnosed?

Limbic ADHD is not recognized by the psychiatric community, so it can’t be diagnosed. In addition, the methods that Dr. Amen’s clinic uses to “diagnose” different types of ADHD — SPECT brain scans — have no scientific basis. They can also be risky, especially for children, and expose you to unnecessary radiation for no clinical purpose.

Qualified mental health professionals can provide an evaluation and determine whether you live with ADHD, depression, or both. They can also identify which of the three official types of ADHD you may have.

The three scientifically recognized types of ADHD are:

Your provider might also assess you for co-occurring conditions, including depression, if you’re experiencing any other symptoms.

Treatment and Management Options

Dr. Amen outlines suggestions for managing symptoms of limbic ADD, and even makes the claim that stimulant medication alone can make limbic ADD worse.

It’s critical to understand that these claims are not supported by any research, nor are they recognized by the scientific community. By and large, stimulant medication has been found to be a very effective treatment option for ADHD, including for people who also live with depression. In fact, research shows that stimulants can even improve mood[2] and decrease other depression symptoms.

"Stimulant medications can often have a positive effect on mood, as they increase the availability of dopamine — a neurotransmitter involved in reward, motivation, and emotional regulation. By enhancing dopamine signaling, these medications may not only improve attention and focus but also help alleviate symptoms like low energy, apathy, and emotional flatness that sometimes overlap with depression."

Dr. Henry Bradford, MD

Medical provider at MEDvidi

Dr. Amen also recommends other “treatments,” like supplements, for limbic ADD that may have a positive effect on mood[3] . However, it’s important to understand that supplements can never replace professional treatment or medication.

In addition to stimulant ADHD medications, other evidence-based ADHD treatments[4] include:

Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy
Behavioral therapy (especially for children)
Non-stimulant medication options, including Strattera
Exercise

These treatments can help you manage the symptoms you’re facing and get back to feeling like yourself again.

The first step to getting the right treatment is to get the correct diagnosis. The recommended treatments might be different depending on whether you’re diagnosed with ADHD, depression, or both.

Takeaway

Despite the controversy he’s faced, Dr. Amen’s description of limbic ADD has resonated with many people. If you can relate, you might live with co-occurring ADHD and depression. No matter what you’re experiencing, these conditions can be treated.

It’s important to get a diagnosis from a qualified and reputable medical provider who can recommend evidence-based treatments. It’s not about “labeling” yourself with a subtype, but about finding treatment that actually works.

At MEDVidi, you can find a qualified medical provider for evidence-based, online ADHD treatment. Make an appointment today; many people can be seen within 24 hours.

Sources

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6 sources

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Pary R, Scarff JR, Jijakli A, Tobias C, Lippmann S. A Review of Psychostimulants for Adults With Depression. Fed Pract. 2015 Apr;32(Suppl 3):30S-37S. PMID: 30766117; PMCID: PMC6375494.
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Roiser JP, McLean A, Ogilvie AD, Blackwell AD, Bamber DJ, Goodyer I, Jones PB, Sahakian BJ. The subjective and cognitive effects of acute phenylalanine and tyrosine depletion in patients recovered from depression. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2005 Apr;30(4):775-85. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300659. PMID: 15688090; PMCID: PMC2631648.
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Treatment and Management.
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Connaughton M, O'Hanlon E, Silk TJ, Paterson J, O'Neill A, Anderson V, Whelan R, McGrath J. The Limbic System in Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Longitudinal Structural Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis. Biol Psychiatry Glob Open Sci. 2023 Nov 2;4(1):385-393. doi: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.10.005. PMID: 38298776; PMCID: PMC10829648.
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Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders: Updated 2021 [Internet]. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 1999. (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Chapter 2—How Stimulants Affect the Brain and Behavior.
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