Highlights
- “Temporal lobe ADD” comes from Dr. Daniel Amen’s non-standard “7 types” model. However, you can’t be diagnosed with “temporal lobe ADHD” because it’s not officially recognized.
- ADHD can affect the temporal lobe, but research shows that ADHD involves many regions of the brain, not just that one.
- The symptoms Amen assigns to temporal lobe ADHD — irritability, panic episodes, learning problems, sensory issues — are all may be experienced in people with ADHD.
- Effective ADHD treatment uses evidence-based methods like medication and therapy, although lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet, that are recommended by Amen can also be helpful.
Officially, there are only three types of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). But one psychiatrist has outlined seven different ADHD types based on claims about brain imaging. One of these types is temporal lobe ADHD, which is thought to be characterized by anger, learning difficulties, and behavioral issues on top of the classic ADHD symptoms.
Although these 7 types of ADHD are controversial in the scientific community, many people with ADHD see themselves in them. Here, we’ll talk about what temporal lobe ADHD can look like, its controversies and drawbacks, and how to get help.
A note on language: Dr. Daniel Amen, the psychiatrist who created the “7 types” model, uses the term “attention-deficit disorder” or ADD when hyperactivity isn’t present. This is an outdated term — the official diagnosis is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), even in the absence of hyperactivity. For consistency and clarity, we’ll refer to it as temporal lobe ADHD throughout this article, except for when directly quoting Dr. Amen’s words.
What Is Temporal Lobe ADHD?
“Temporal lobe ADHD” is one of the seven “ADD types” created by psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen. The idea behind these types is that people with ADHD tend to fall into certain categories, or symptom clusters, that describe their patterns of behavior.
According to Dr. Amen, temporal lobe ADHD is more characterized by mild paranoia and behavioral problems than other ADHD types. A person may experience more anger or aggression, and tends to have more learning difficulties.
On top of temporal lobe ADHD (which is listed as the fourth ADD type), other types in this model include:
- Classic ADD: In Amen’s model, this type includes distractibility, restlessness, and difficulty staying on task.
- Inattentive ADD: Described as daydreamy with low drive and low energy, without the hyperactive symptoms.
- Overfocused ADD: Characterized by rigid thinking and trouble shifting attention once locked onto something.
- Limbic ADD: Defined by mood changes, low motivation, and a tendency toward negative thinking.
- Anxious ADD: Includes physical tension and excessive worrying.
- Ring of Fire ADD: Described as impulsive with emotional outbursts and difficulty calming the mind or body.
Keep in mind that none of these subtypes, including temporal lobe ADHD, are supported in scientific literature. Nor are they recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the text that almost all mental health professionals use to make diagnoses.
But many people may read the descriptions and identify with them. If you see yourself in these descriptions, that’s valid and may help you deal with the condition. These are symptoms that many people with ADHD experience, regardless of what you feel about Dr. Amen’s categories.
The Temporal Lobe: Functions and Relevance to ADHD
The temporal lobe of your brain can be found as a pair on the left and right sides of your skull, near your temples. It’s a large area that contains other important parts of your brain, like the amygdala and the hippocampus.
The temporal lobe (and all of the parts of your brain included within it) is responsible for several crucial functions, like:
- Experiencing, processing, and regulating your emotions (controlled by the amygdala)
- Processing sensory cues, especially vision and sound
- Forming and storing long-term memories
- Helping your brain interpret social information
Some research does suggest that the temporal lobe may play an important role in ADHD — just not in the way that Dr. Amen claims. For example,
But these same studies, along with many others, also found that the temporal lobe is not the only region of the brain that’s affected by ADHD. Other affected areas include the frontal lobe (responsible for executive functioning) and the cerebellum, which helps regulate coordination and timing.
In addition, there is no evidence behind the idea that some people with ADHD experience more dysfunction in their temporal lobes than others. ADHD is generally associated with differences in temporal lobe activity in some studies.
Temporal Lobe ADD/ADHD Symptoms
Since temporal lobe ADHD is not a recognized mental health condition, an official list of symptoms or diagnostic criteria doesn’t exist.
According to Amen’s business website, the symptoms of temporal lobe ADHD are:
- Irritability or becoming angry quickly
- Periods of zoning out or feeling confused
- Difficulty processing sound or verbal information
- Sudden waves of fear or panic without a clear cause
- Unexplained headaches or stomach issues
- Dark or intrusive thoughts (can be suicidal or homicidal)
- Trouble learning new material (possible learning disability)
- Hyperactivity that may or may not be present
These are all symptoms that are highly associated with ADHD (not specific to a certain type).
For example, research shows that people with ADHD may be more likely to have
Amen also claims that people with this type of ADHD may have difficulties with memory and anger management or become defiant toward authority figures. He writes that some people with temporal lobe ADHD may experience mild paranoia or have hallucinations (like hearing things that no one else hears).
Some studies suggest that children with ADHD are
In addition, Amen states that everyone with ADHD, regardless of the type, experiences the following core symptoms:
- Trouble staying on task with everyday activities
- Getting distracted easily
- Challenges staying organized
- Procrastination
- Disorganization; forgetting plans or misplacing things
- Difficulty finishing what you start
- Acting without thinking
These symptoms closely match the ADHD symptoms that are recognized in the DSM.
What Causes Temporal Lobe ADHD?
There is no scientific literature on temporal lobe ADHD in adults nor its causes. According to Amen and his supporters, potential causes include:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Exposure to certain toxins
- Past infections
However, no single toxin has been proven to directly cause ADHD, though some environmental exposures (including prenatal) may increase risk.
According to scientific evidence, ADHD (regardless of the type) is caused by:
- Genetics (some studies have found that it is up to 80% genetic)
- Brain chemistry and structure
- Early developmental and prenatal factors
How Is Temporal Lobe ADHD Diagnosed?
You can’t be medically diagnosed with temporal lobe ADHD, because it isn’t recognized in scientific literature or among reputable organizations. It isn’t listed in the DSM, the International Classification of Diseases, or anywhere else.
Amen claims that he is able to clarify which type of ADHD you have through a brain imaging technique called SPECT scans. These claims are controversial and, according to most of his peers, scientifically unfounded. Not only is there no evidence that SPECT scans can diagnose you with ADHD, but they also expose patients to unnecessary radiation and may steer them away from getting evidence-based treatment.
However, if you experience symptoms resembling ADHD, it’s important to seek evaluation. See a licensed healthcare provider who uses clinical interviews, observation, and standard questionnaires to determine whether or not you live with ADHD. Based on that information, you may be diagnosed with one of the three officially recognized subtypes of ADHD:
- Predominantly inattentive type, characterized by trouble focusing and forgetfulness.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, characterized by lack of impulse control and restlessness.
- Combined type with both inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
Treatment and Management Options
According to a large body of scientific evidence, the most effective treatment for ADHD is medication. It is often used alone or in combination with behavioral therapy depending on age and individual needs. When medications are combined with therapy, they can be even more effective.
The most effective medications for ADHD are stimulants, which include:
There are also non-stimulant options that can be effective, like:
Therapy and behavioral coaching can help people with ADHD learn practical skills and build routines that actually work for them. They can also make the emotional side of ADHD feel easier to manage. Therapy can be especially helpful for younger children with ADHD or those who choose not to take medication.
Amen states that in addition to these standard, evidence-based treatments, these strategies can help with temporal lobe ADHD specifically.
- Exercise: Research does support the claim that exercise can significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, regardless of the type. Amen suggests 30 to 45 minutes of aerobic activity per day, which is a standard medical recommendation for most healthy adults.
- Diet: Amen recommends eating more healthy fats and protein, and reducing carbs. This is also a standard recommendation for most people.
Research shows[8] that omega-3s, which are often found in healthy fats, may help you manage ADHD symptoms.
- Supplements: Amen states that calming supplements, like GABA, theanine, and magnesium, can help reduce temporal lobe ADHD symptoms, and that some caffeine like green tea can improve focus. Some research supports supplements for ADHD, but there’s not enough research to consider them evidence-based. Always talk to your provider before starting any new supplements.
- Behavioral Therapy: Amen recommends behavioral therapy for those with temporal lobe ADHD. This is recommended by many reputable organizations as well.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing classic ADHD symptoms, or any of the symptoms of what’s known as temporal lobe ADHD, then it’s important to seek professional help. Even though it’s not an officially recognized ADHD type, you may still experience symptoms that affect your life and can be managed.
You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis to get help. You deserve to feel great, not only to survive. Get in touch with a healthcare provider if:
- Your symptoms are getting in the way of your work performance or potential.
- Your important relationships have been damaged because of your behaviors.
- You’re finding yourself in unsafe situations (like physical fights due to anger).
- You’re having intrusive or frightening thoughts.
Next Steps
It’s normal to feel unsure about where you “fit” when it comes to ADHD. Many people relate to Dr. Amen’s descriptions, even though they aren’t part of standard psychiatric practice.
You can focus on the symptoms you’re experiencing and how they’re affecting your life rather than on fitting into a subtype label. Effective ADHD care doesn’t depend on these categories. It depends on getting the right diagnosis and evidence-based treatment.
If you’re ready to get help, online ADHD treatment through MEDvidi can connect you with licensed providers who understand what you’re going through. Schedule an evaluation today and get personalized care that fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does ADHD affect the temporal lobe?
Yes. Research shows that the temporal lobe can be involved in ADHD, but it’s not the only area affected.
What part of the brain does ADHD affect the most?
Studies point to differences in the frontal lobe, temporal areas, and cerebellum, with each region being affected in different ways.
Is there a temporal lobe ADHD test?
There is no clinically approved medical test for temporal lobe ADHD, and it isn’t an officially recognized diagnosis.
What medication is used for temporal lobe ADD?
There is no separate medication for temporal lobe ADHD. Providers use the same evidence-based ADHD medications for all people with ADHD, choosing an appropriate one depending on individual needs.
