“Ring of fire” attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is an unofficial subtype of ADHD. However, ring of fire ADHD does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR).

Ring of fire ADHD is an unofficial subtype of ADHD, according to the theory of psychiatrist Dr. Daniel Amen, of Amen Clinics. As such, the DSM-5-TR does not recognize ring of fire ADHD as an official subtype of ADHD.

There are three types of ADHD in the DSM-5-TR. However, Dr. Amen suggests that there are a total of seven subtypes of ADHD, the most intense type being ring of fire ADHD. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this theory.

Amen Clinics uses a type of brain scan known as a single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scan to analyze brain activity. A SPECT scan can test variations in activity and blood flow within the brain.

People should note that Dr. Amen’s use of SPECT scans is extremely controversial in the medical community. The use of SPECT scans to diagnose ADHD is not evidence based, and there is no substantial research to prove their value in use for people with ADHD.

Using a SPECT scan to diagnose people with ADHD is not standard medical practice. However, 2021 research co-authored by Dr. Amen suggests that using a SPECT scan can help distinguish people with ADHD without comorbidities (coexisting medical conditions) from people without ADHD. People should be aware that the authors noted that ADHD often occurs with comorbidities, such as learning disorders, and further research is necessary.

According to Amen Clinics, when viewing ring of fire ADHD on a SPECT scan, there appears to be a ring of hyperactivity around the brain. This led to the labeling of this subtype as ring of fire ADHD.

Amen Clinics suggest that ring of fire ADHD typically presents with a level of overall hyperactivity that is more intense than the other subtypes of ADHD. However, as this is not an official subtype of ADHD, more reliable research is necessary to explore further possible subtypes.