Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are terms that often confuse. People are unsure if these terms mean the same thing or describe different conditions. Understanding the difference between ADD and ADHD is important for patients, parents, educators, and mental health professionals.
ADD and ADHD are mental health disorders that affect concentration, behavior, and focus. But while ADHD is the official medical term, ADD is an older name that is still used to describe a specific type of ADHD. In our article, we will explain the history of ADD and ADHD, describe the symptoms of these disorders, and teach you how to help yourself or your loved one.
History of ADD and ADHD
The history of ADD and ADHD dates back to the first half of the 20th century, when doctors and psychiatrists in the United States started to diagnose children with hyperactivity and poor concentration. The first official name of the disorder was “hyperkinetic impulse disorder.”
In the 1980s, the condition was renamed Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) to reflect the core problem—lack of attention. Less than ten years later, the name was changed to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to be more inclusive. Today, ADHD is the official term you will see in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and medical documentation.
Nashville Mental Health
What Is ADD?
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. This term is used to describe a specific type of ADHD—predominantly inattentive presentation. A person with ADD may struggle to concentrate and pay attention without showing signs of hyperactivity or impulsive behavior.
It is important to note that while ADD is not an official medical term, it is still widely used by patients and doctors. If you hear someone mention ADD, they may refer to ADHD without the hyperactivity component.
What Is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the ability of a person to sit still, focus, control their emotions, and behave.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 6 million children in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD. This disorder is usually spotted before the child turns 12 and persists into adult years, causing problems at school, work, and home.
Nashville Mental Health
ADD vs. ADHD Symptoms
The most common symptoms of ADHD are divided into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. A person with ADHD may have an inattentive type (ADD), a hyperactive-impulsive type, or a combined type.
Inattentive (ADD) Symptoms:
- Short attention span
- Failure to listen and follow the instructions
- Careless mistakes
- Disinterest in the conversation
- Forgetfulness
Hyperactive-Impulsive Symptoms:
- Inability to sit still
- Excessive talking
- Constant fidgeting
- Risky behavior
- Difficulty waiting for your turn
FAQs
What are the 3 main symptoms of ADD?
The three hallmark symptoms of ADD are poor concentration, forgetfulness, and lack of focus. People with ADD struggle to pay attention, are easily distracted, and fail to complete the task in front of them.
Is ADD worse than ADHD?
ADD is a subtype of ADHD. It is impossible to say that one type of ADHD is worse than the other – the symptoms are unique to every individual. Some people manage to cope with ADHD without treatment, while others require a personalized therapy plan and medication.
Is ADD still a diagnosis?
No, ADD is not an official diagnosis. In 1987, the term was replaced with ADHD, which is considered to be the correct name of the disorder. Nonetheless, the term “ADD” is still used to describe the inattentive type of ADHD by both doctors and patients.
How do I know if I have ADD or ADHD?
If you have noticed the symptoms of ADHD described in our guide, we would advise you to see a doctor. A qualified healthcare provider will be able to diagnose ADHD based on your symptoms and medical history, as well as prescribe a treatment that suits you.
How do you treat ADD and ADHD?
There are several approaches to ADHD treatment. Your doctor may prescribe you to talk to a therapist, address the issue with medication (stimulants and non-stimulants), and make lifestyle changes to accommodate your condition.
Nashville Mental Health
Get Help and Support for ADD and ADHD with Nashville Mental Health
We hope that our article was able to clarify the distinction between ADD and ADHD for you. While ADD is not officially recognized as a medical term these days, it is still used to talk about the inattentive type of ADHD—a mental health disorder that combines symptoms of inattention and lack of focus without hyperactivity.
Whether you or your family member has been diagnosed with ADHD or you are only starting to notice the symptoms of this disorder, it is crucial to reach out to a mental health professional. A certified provider will be able to give you – Nashville Mental Health and talk to our experts. We will be happy to create a personalized treatment plan for you and assist you on your journey to better mental health!
