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Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders diagnosed during childhood. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is an outdated term that is no longer used. However, there continues to be confusion between ADD and ADHD. 

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably. Some people think ADD is a subtype of ADHD. Please continue reading to find out the key differences between ADD vs ADHD.

What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

According to the American Psychiatric Association, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder of childhood that can continue into adulthood. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that some 6 million children in the US have received a diagnosis of ADHD. 

ADHD symptoms include being overly active, having problems with paying attention and controlling impulsive behaviors. 

ADHD is a chronic and debilitating disorder that impacts many aspects of life. People with ADHD struggle with daily functioning, academics, professional work, and interpersonal relationships.

Is there a difference between attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

There is no longer a difference between ADD and ADHD. The term attention deficit disorder (ADD) is not used officially anymore. Mental health professionals use the term attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to describe neurodevelopmental disorders with symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is a handbook used by healthcare professionals in the United States and worldwide as an authoritative guide for the diagnosis of mental disorders. The DSM does not refer to ADD as a subtype of ADHD. Rather, the DSM talks about “presentations” of ADHD.

People with inattentive symptoms receive a diagnosis of ADHD inattentive type. The other two presentations are ADHD hyperactive/impulsive type and ADHD combined type.

Why is ADD no longer a diagnosis?

In 1994, experts decided to simplify how mental health professionals diagnose ADHD. The term attention deficit disorder (ADD) was discontinued. It was decided that the condition would be called ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) with different presentations. What was previously known as ADD would now be called inattentive type ADHD.

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What are 3 signs of ADHD?

There are three different presentations of ADHD — inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined type. (Presentation refers to the symptoms that are most prominent in an individual).

Predominantly Inattentive ADHD Presentation

Children and adults with this type of ADHD (predominantly inattentive presentation) experience symptoms such as:

• Difficulty organizing or completing tasks

• Problems with paying attention to details

• Difficulty following instructions or conversations

• Lose focus and are easily distracted 

• Daydreaming (lost in their own world)

• Forget daily routines

• Lose things a lot

• Make careless mistakes

• Struggle to retain new information

• Resist tasks requiring mental effort

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD Presentation

The following symptoms are seen in people with a hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD:

• Excessive fidgeting or squirming

• Talk too much

• Find it hard to sit still for long (for example, to eat a meal or finish homework) 

• Constant movement (running, jumping, or climbing — seen especially in younger children)

• Restlessness

• Trouble controlling impulsive behaviors 

• Difficulty resisting temptations

• Take unnecessary risks (this can lead to accidents and injuries)

• Interrupt others or speak when inappropriate

• Grab other people’s things 

• Trouble waiting for their turn

• Trouble listening to instructions

Combined ADHD Presentation

Both inattention symptoms and hyperactive symptoms are present equally in combined type ADHD. 

Note: Where an adult’s or child’s symptoms fall, and consequently, the type of ADHD (presentation) can change over time.

How do I know if I'm ADD or ADHD?

As noted above, ADD is an outdated term. You may be ADHD inattentive type, ADHD hyperactive-impulsive type, or ADHD combined type. 

Only a mental health professional can make a correct diagnosis of whether you have ADHD and, if so, the type of ADHD (presentation). 

If you have received an ADHD diagnosis, you can have ADHD treated in many different ways. Generally speaking, the choice of treatment depends on the person’s age and symptoms. 

A combination of behavioral therapy and ADHD medications can make it easier to deal with ADHD symptoms. There are both stimulant and non-stimulant drugs available, which can be used along with behavior management and talk therapy.

For preschool children with ADHD (age 4-5 years), medical professionals usually recommend behavior therapy and parent training before trying medications to help with the child’s symptoms. 

References:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3000907/

2. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html

3. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd