What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Attention deficit disorder and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder are two conditions that affect the way a person thinks and behaves.

The disorders affect 1 in 20 children, and they can pose challenges in learning and activity.

The terms are used interchangeably, but there are distinct differences between them. Although the two terms are used, it should be noted that the American Psychiatric Association (APA) only recognizes the term "Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" in the new edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

What are ADHD and ADD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) describes a condition of the brain that leads to a combination of poor attention, hyperactivity, and poor impulse control with a severity that interferes with functioning or development.

There are three subtypes of ADHD:

Predominantly inattentive ADHD features forgetfulness, disorganization, and lack of focus. This particular type of ADHD is also called attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD involves restlessness and impulsive decisions, but not inattention.

Combined ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.

It is a common misconception that everyone who has ADHD is hyperactive. However, those people who present many ADHD symptoms, but are not hyperactive, may have inattentive ADHD, which was once referred to as ADD.

People with ADD will often have problems with disorganization and forgetfulness on a regular basis. They may also struggle to focus on things that are unimportant to them.

People with ADD can focus, and if a topic is interesting to them, they may focus on it completely, shutting out everything else. They are likely to find it most difficult to focus when undertaking regular, less interesting tasks, such as the laundry, doing homework, or reading office memos.

According to the DSM-5, people with this cluster of symptoms would still be diagnosed with ADHD, but would be given the "predominantly inattentive presentation" specifier.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms for people with ADD or ADHD are similar, but they vary depending on the type of disorder.

The DSM-5 lists the diagnostic criteria for a range of mental conditions.

Inattentive ADHD, or ADD

People with this form of ADHD, or ADD will not present signs of hyperactivity.

But, they may present the following symptoms:

Having trouble organizing tasks or activities

Being easily distracted from the task at hand

Regularly forgetting daily activities

Regularly losing things that are needed to complete tasks

Avoiding, disliking, or postponing tasks that are not interesting

Regularly losing focus on schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace

Not following clear directions

Seeming to not listen when being spoken to

Regularly making careless mistakes

Having trouble holding attention on tasks or social activities

Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD

People with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD will not present signs of inattentiveness.

Instead, people with this type of ADHD will show signs of:

Always being "on the go"

Squirming in their seat, fidgeting with objects on their desk, or tapping their hands or feet

Regularly leaving their seat in situations where staying seated is expected, such as in work meetings, classrooms, and presentations

Talking excessively

Having trouble waiting their turn

Often interrupting others in conversation or intruding on activities

Often blurting out answers before a question is finished

Combined ADHD

When someone shows symptoms of both ADD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD, they may have combined ADHD.

Diagnosis

Showing any combination of these symptoms alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis.

Someone who forgets their keys often or talks excessively does not necessarily have ADD or ADHD. A person must meet many conditions before being eligible for a diagnosis.

A child must have at least six of the above symptoms before they can be considered for diagnosis. In an adolescent or adult, five of these symptoms must be present.

The symptoms must be present for at least 6 months before diagnosis, and three or more symptoms of inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive behavior must have been present before the age of 12 years.

The severity of symptoms is also important.

Everyone forgets their keys from time to time, and many children do not like doing homework. In a person with ADD or ADHD, however, these symptoms severely affect their social, school, or work life.

The symptoms will also be inappropriate for a person's developmental level. An example of this might be a high school student who regularly climbs on top of the classroom table.

Symptoms must also appear in multiple environments, such as school, work, home, and in social situations. There needs to be clear evidence that the symptoms interfere with the individual's quality of life.

Doctors will also consider whether these symptoms can be explained by other disorders.

Is a child simply rebelling against authority? Are their behaviors a cry for attention? With possible cases of ADHD or ADD in children, a school psychologist may be invited to observe the child's behavior in their classroom environment, to help make a proper diagnosis.

Other conditions that cause similar symptoms

Doctors also need to be sure that the behaviors are not caused by another disorder. Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, and dissociative disorders can all show similar symptoms to ADD or ADHD.

Children with ADHD have a higher risk of other disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that about half of children with ADHD have other disorders as well.

Behavioral problems often accompany ADHD in children. Oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder may be present, as well as learning disorders, anxiety, and depression.

These other disorders may make it difficult to diagnose or treat ADHD, and they can make it harder for the child, their parents, teachers, and peers. This is another reason it is so important to be sure the diagnosis is very thorough.

Source: Medical News Today