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Difference Between ADD and ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impairs daily functioning. However, there is often confusion between ADHD and the more common term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), which is no longer used as a diagnostic term in the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

In this article, we will explore the difference between ADD and ADHD, their symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

What is ADD?

ADD is an acronym for Attention Deficit Disorder. In the past, ADD was used as a diagnostic term for individuals who displayed inattention and distraction, but not hyperactivity or impulsivity. However, in the latest edition of the DSM, ADD is no longer used as a diagnostic term. Instead, it has been replaced by ADHD, which encompasses all three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and combined.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impairs daily functioning. The DSM-5 identifies three subtypes of ADHD:

  1. Predominantly Inattentive Type: Individuals with this subtype have difficulty sustaining attention, organizing tasks and activities, and following through on instructions. They may also be forgetful, lose things, and appear to not be listening.

  2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Individuals with this subtype have difficulty sitting still, fidget, talk excessively, interrupt others, and struggle with impulse control.

  3. Combined Type: Individuals with this subtype have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Symptoms of ADHD

The symptoms of ADHD are characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Some of the common symptoms are:

Inattention symptoms:

  1. Fails to pay attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or during other activities
  2. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
  3. Does not seem to listen when spoken to directly
  4. Does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace
  5. Has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  6. Avoids or dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework)
  7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (such as school materials, pencils, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, or mobile telephones)
  8. Is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
  9. Is forgetful in daily activities

Hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms:

  1. Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
  2. Leaves seat in situations when remaining seated is expected
  3. Runs about or climbs excessively in situations where it is inappropriate
  4. Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
  5. Is "on the go," acting as if "driven by a motor"
  6. Talks excessively
  7. Blurts out answers before questions have been completed
  8. Has difficulty waiting his or her turn
  9. Interrupts or intrudes on others

Causes of ADHD

The exact causes of ADHD are not yet fully understood. However, research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors contribute to the development of the disorder. Some of the factors that may increase the risk of developing ADHD include:

  1. Genetics: ADHD tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component to the disorder. Studies have shown that if a parent or sibling has ADHD, an individual is more likely to develop the disorder.

  1. Brain development: Research has found that certain regions of the brain that are responsible for regulating attention, impulse control, and activity levels may develop differently in individuals with ADHD.

  2. Environmental factors: Exposure to environmental toxins such as lead during early development, low birth weight, and prenatal exposure to alcohol and tobacco have also been linked to an increased risk of developing ADHD.

  3. Other factors: Some studies have suggested that maternal stress during pregnancy, premature birth, and certain medical conditions such as sleep apnea and thyroid problems may also increase the risk of developing ADHD.

Diagnosis of ADHD

Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. The evaluation may include a physical exam, a review of medical history, interviews with the patient and their family members, and psychological testing. The DSM-5 criteria are used to diagnose ADHD, which requires the presence of at least six symptoms of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that have persisted for at least six months and have a significant impact on daily functioning.

Treatment of ADHD

Treatment of ADHD usually involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. Medications such as stimulants, non-stimulant medications, and antidepressants can help to improve symptoms of ADHD by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that are responsible for regulating attention and behavior. Behavioral therapy can also help individuals with ADHD to learn coping strategies, develop organizational and time-management skills, and improve their social and emotional functioning.

Difference between ADD and ADHD

The main difference between ADD and ADHD is that ADD only referred to the inattentive subtype of ADHD. However, as we have already mentioned, the latest edition of the DSM no longer uses the term ADD and instead classifies all subtypes under the umbrella term ADHD.

It is important to note that some individuals with ADHD may have predominantly inattentive symptoms, while others may have predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. Therefore, the term ADD may have been an inaccurate label for individuals with predominantly inattentive symptoms, as they may still have had symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity to some degree.

Another important difference between ADD and ADHD is that the term ADD may have been used to describe individuals who displayed symptoms of inattention but did not meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD. In contrast, the diagnosis of ADHD requires the presence of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impair daily functioning.

Why is ADD no longer a diagnosis?

The term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is no longer used as a diagnostic term in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The reason for this change is that the term ADD only referred to the inattentive subtype of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is characterized by symptoms of inattention but without significant hyperactivity or impulsivity.

The DSM-5 recognizes three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The predominantly inattentive subtype is similar to what was previously referred to as ADD. However, this subtype can still involve symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, even if they are not as pronounced as in other subtypes.

The elimination of the term ADD in favor of the broader term ADHD reflects a recognition that the disorder is complex and can present with a variety of symptoms, including both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. This change also helps to eliminate confusion around the terminology and ensures that individuals with ADHD receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

It is worth noting that even though the term ADD is no longer used as a diagnostic term, some people may still use the term colloquially to refer to symptoms of inattention without hyperactivity or impulsivity. However, it is important to understand that a formal diagnosis of ADHD requires the presence of symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly impair daily functioning.

What does ADD look like?

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is a term that was previously used to describe a subtype of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) that is characterized primarily by symptoms of inattention. However, the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) no longer uses the term ADD, and instead classifies all subtypes under the umbrella term ADHD.

That being said, the symptoms of inattention that were previously associated with ADD are still an important aspect of ADHD diagnosis and treatment. These symptoms may include:

  1. Difficulty sustaining attention: Individuals with ADD may have difficulty staying focused on tasks or activities, especially if they are not interesting or stimulating. They may also struggle with completing tasks that require sustained attention.

  2. Poor organization: Individuals with ADD may have difficulty organizing tasks, materials, and activities, which can lead to problems with completing tasks on time or following through on plans.

  3. Forgetfulness: Individuals with ADD may frequently forget appointments, deadlines, or important details. They may also lose things like keys, phones, or wallets frequently.

  4. Avoidance of tasks requiring mental effort: Individuals with ADD may avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort or focus, such as studying for exams or reading long reports.

  5. Easily distracted: Individuals with ADD may be easily distracted by external stimuli, such as noises or visual distractions, or by internal thoughts or daydreams.

It is important to note that the symptoms of ADHD can vary widely from person to person, and some individuals may have more severe symptoms than others. Additionally, symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity can also be present in individuals with ADHD, even if they do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of combined subtype ADHD.

If you are concerned that you or a loved one may be experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important to seek the help of a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Is ADHD more common or ADD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a broader term that encompasses several subtypes, including predominantly inattentive type, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, and combined type. The term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was previously used to describe the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD.

Although the term ADD is no longer used as a diagnostic term, it is estimated that the predominantly inattentive subtype of ADHD is less common than the other subtypes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of ADHD in children in the United States is approximately 6-7%. Of those cases, about two-thirds are classified as the combined subtype, while the remaining one-third is divided between the predominantly inattentive and predominantly hyperactive-impulsive subtypes.

It is important to note that ADHD can also affect adults, although the prevalence rates may be lower than in children. In adults, the symptoms of ADHD may present differently than in children, and may include difficulty with organization, forgetfulness, impulsivity, and difficulty completing tasks or following through on plans.

It is also worth noting that the rates of diagnosis and treatment of ADHD have increased in recent years, which may be due in part to greater awareness of the disorder and increased screening efforts. Additionally, there may be cultural and societal factors that affect the prevalence rates of ADHD and related disorders.

Overall, while the prevalence rates of the different subtypes of ADHD may vary, it is clear that ADHD is a relatively common neurodevelopmental disorder that can have significant impacts on daily functioning and quality of life. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms and lead successful, fulfilling lives.

Conclusion

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that impairs daily functioning. The DSM-5 identifies three subtypes of ADHD: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The term ADD, which was previously used to describe individuals with symptoms of inattention, is no longer used as a diagnostic term in the latest edition of the DSM.

Diagnosing ADHD involves a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional, and treatment typically involves a combination of medication and behavioral therapy. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of ADHD, it is important to seek the help of a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.