ADHD vs. ADD

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ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, is a disorder of the brain characterized by inattentiveness or hyperactivity. Since 1987, the medical community has generally considered the term attention-deficit disorder (ADD) to be obsolete, occasionally referring to ADD as a subtype of ADHD that doesn’t feature hyperactivity or restlessness and instead presents primarily inattentive symptoms. Some patients, families and health providers may still use ADD and ADHD interchangeably.
Technically, ADHD and ADD are now synonyms for the same diagnosis. Using ADD to describe inattentive ADHD, you could say ADD involves more difficulty focusing, while ADHD features more physical, hyperactive presentations characterized by the inability to sit still, a need to move and impatience.
Understanding this disorder can help you more effectively manage ADHD symptoms with the right combination of therapy, coaching and medication.
ADHD and ADD are now interchangeable terms, though ADD is an outdated term used to describe inattentive ADHD without hyperactivity.
Jump to insightADHD symptoms include inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, varying by subtype and severity.
Jump to insightDiagnosis involves evaluating symptoms' impact across life areas and ruling out similar conditions like anxiety.
Jump to insightManagement includes therapy, medication and lifestyle strategies tailored to individual symptom presentations.
Jump to insightDifference between ADHD and ADD
ADHD and ADD are now used interchangeably to refer to the same condition, but ADD is an outdated term and is sometimes thought of as a subtype of ADHD that presents with primarily inattentive symptoms.
Since ADHD treatment is individualized, people with ADHD may seek treatment that fits the symptoms they present and want to manage. For example, people struggling with disorganization may use coaching to learn organizational strategies, such as using timers and lists to plan daily priorities. Restlessness, by contrast, may benefit from accommodations (e.g., more frequent breaks).
It’s important for people with ADHD to receive proper testing and diagnosis of their symptoms so they can receive the right treatment and rule out other health conditions, such as anxiety and depression — these and other disorders may show similar symptoms and result in the wrong diagnosis.
Symptoms of ADHD and ADD
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include difficulty paying attention, disorganization and problems staying on task, while hyperactive ADHD involves impulsivity, restlessness and constant movement. Every person with ADHD presents their own combination and severity of symptoms, but the following are common signs in children, adolescents and adults.
Inattention
- Daydreaming
- Not paying attention during conversations
- Disorganization
- Challenges staying on task
- Easily distracted
Hyperactivity
- Talking constantly
- Fidgeting
- Moving in inappropriate situations (such as getting up and walking around when everyone is expected to sit)
- Behavioral challenges
Impulsivity
- Motivated by short-term, instant rewards
- Reckless decisions and actions
- Interrupting others when speaking
- Engaging in high-risk behavior
- Outbursts and anger
ADHD generally presents as one of three subtypes: inattentive presentation (previously known as ADD), hyperactive/impulsive presentation and combined presentation with inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms.
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Diagnosis of ADHD and ADD
ADHD diagnosis requires meeting specific diagnostic criteria:
- Symptoms should be evident before age 12.
- Symptoms should show up in at least two areas of life, such as at school, in personal relationships or at work.
- Symptoms should be significant enough to impact quality of life.
A qualified health care professional, such as a physician or psychologist, can review symptoms and make a diagnosis after ruling out other possible conditions. Since some conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, personality disorders, substance use) can all show similar symptoms, health care providers use interviewing and ADHD tests to help eliminate other possibilities. Proper diagnosis is important in ensuring patients receive the right treatments.
Management strategies for ADHD vs. ADD
Managing ADHD involves reducing symptoms and their impact on quality of life.
If you have ADHD, there are several management strategies available to you, including various types of self-help, therapy, coaching and medication. Self-help for ADHD may involve trying out organization, planning and productivity strategies to see what helps you focus and prioritize.
Therapy aims to reduce mental symptoms using methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change thinking patterns, while coaching provides a support system and strategies for easing symptoms in different environments (such as at work).
There are also many stimulant and nonstimulant medications that target underlying causes of ADHD in the brain — these are effective for many people.
Lifestyle changes for managing ADHD
Experts recommend standard healthy habits for people with ADHD, including:
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Managing stress
A balanced diet provides your body with proper nutrition, and regular exercise may reduce symptoms of ADHD by releasing norepinephrine and dopamine, neurotransmitters that influence mental focus and mood. Sleeping well is great for general health and may help ease ADHD symptoms.
Tips for managing ADHD in personal and professional settings
For many people with ADHD, simple, pragmatic changes can make it easier to live with symptoms. Try these steps to improve your productivity, organization and confidence:
- Learn as much as you can about ADHD and how your symptoms work. Research from reputable sources gives you more insight into the latest information from mental health professionals as well as strategies other people with ADHD are using to make a difference in their lives.
- Use your smartphone calendar, paper planner, timer or other tools to see what helps you focus. Try scheduling your work, narrowing your task list to a smaller number of items or using the Pomodoro Technique (a productivity strategy using 25-minute work sessions followed by five-minute breaks).
- Resist procrastination. If a task takes under two minutes to complete, do it now and cross another item off your list.
- Check your schedule to avoid overbooking yourself before agreeing to take on another project or commitment.
- Use automatic bill pay or set up reminders if you don’t want automatic payments.
- When you need to focus, reduce your distractions and let others know when you need to concentrate.
- Get information in a written format so you can read and double-check what you hear in a lecture, meeting or set of instructions.
- Manage your stress to help with your symptoms and overall well-being.
- Exercise and go for walks to manage your restlessness.
FAQ
Why is ADD no longer a diagnosis?
ADD is no longer a diagnosis because doctors now consider attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a more inclusive diagnosis that accounts for both inattentive and hyperactive subtypes.
Are ADD and ADHD the same?
ADD and ADHD are technically the same condition, although doctors replaced the term ADD with ADHD in 1987. ADHD is characterized by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, and both kids and adults can be diagnosed with the condition.
Do I have ADHD, or am I just lazy?
ADHD symptoms make it harder to focus and stay on task, which may look like laziness to neurotypical people. People with ADHD may also struggle with symptoms impacting their personal and professional lives. If you think you may have ADHD, it’s a good idea to get a screening to test for the condition.
Bottom line
ADHD and ADD are both names for the same condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. In 1987, doctors decided to stop diagnosing people with ADD, instead opting for the diagnosis of ADHD regardless of subtype.
ADHD is highly treatable today, and many people can find the right relief and management strategies for their symptoms with support from health care professionals, coaches and therapists. To be evaluated for ADHD, start by scheduling an appointment with your health care provider to talk about your symptoms and treatment options. If you’re diagnosed, your provider can help you get medical treatment and find local resources and other support.