Dominant holistic and linear thinking preferences mark two basic subtypes of ADD.  The personality and character traits of those with a dominant holistic cognitive style (ADD-Holistic) differ significantly from those with a dominant linear cognitive style (ADD-Linear).  This would indicate that ADD should be managed differently for each subtype.

The database of those with ADD characteristics was divided into high holistic cognitive scores and high linear scores.  About 70% of the ADHD population have high holistic cognitive scores.  A comparison of the overall scores of the two groups revealed a significant negative correlation.  The high holistic group scored higher than the linear group in the ADHD Indications and Self Concept Profiles and lower in the Life Skills and Personality Profiles.  The high linear group's scores were the opposite.  This negative correlation is graphically demonstrated by the "X" formed by the trend lines of the two groups (Graph Typical).  The same statistical analysis applied to the non-ADD database does not reveal this negative correlation (Graph General).

ADD-Linear Characteristics.
ADD-Linear ADHD Indications are consistently lower.  A person with ADD-Linear appears to manage the ADHD Indications better then a person with ADD-Holistic.  They are also more organized.  On the other hand, ADD-Linear tend to have more difficulty with Sociality and personality adjustments - lower self esteem, less confidence, assertiveness, and flexibility.  ADD-Linear persons also report more difficulty with learning disabilities, maintaining realistic perceptions, irritability, obsessive behavior, and paranoia.

An interesting observation about the ADD-Linear subtype - to an outsider, persons in this subtype appear more in control of their ADD and may even appear not to have ADD.  Yet, the person with ADD-Linear appears to experience more personal struggle and suffering than those persons with ADD-Holistic subtype.  They are also more prone to various personality disorders that may mask the underlying ADD.  ADD-Linear could well be called the "Hidden ADD."  This subtype may also have more difficulty benefiting from traditional ADD therapies.

ADD-Holistic Characteristics.
ADD-Holistic ADHD Indications are consistently at the high end of the scale.  Their ADD symptoms are more noticeable and so have more difficulty fitting into society.  ADD-Holistic persons have great difficulty getting organized and planning ahead.  They are often caught in the moment and tend to obsess.  They are highly spontaneous and unpredictable even to themselves.  On the other hand, they tend to have a firmer grasp of reality are more adaptable socially.  They have less difficulty with personality disorders with the expectation of depression.  It could well be that their depression is more situational and not bipolar.

The ADD-Holistic subtype often benefits greatly from traditional therapies.  Of course, the vast majority of persons with ADD tend to be ADD-Holistic.  Yet if they do not feel comfortable with therapy, especially stimulant therapy, they are more like to seek out extreme solutions and/or over-react.

Conclusions.
Thinking preference profoundly affects the manifestation of ADD.  In general, my research to this point indicates that the differences marked by cognitive preference are the most telling.  Cognitive preference (Holistic/Linear) appears to be a good guide to undertaking the most effective program of therapy for each individual.  ADD-Holistic symptoms are more outward and often more manageable.  ADD-Linear symptoms are more inward and may be more difficult to detect and manage.  Cognitive preference does not affect non-ADHD persons in the same way.

Copyright © 2001 Ray Reinbolt -- Creative Life Concepts