Did you know that 11.4% of children and teens have been diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the United States alone? ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, ADHD often goes undiagnosed in childhood, and more so in adulthood. Let’s understand the two main types of ADHD and how to recognize it.
ADD vs ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are terms that are often used interchangeably but actually have a difference.
What is ADD and is ADD still a diagnosis?
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is actually a term that describes individuals with a difficulty in focusing, concentration and impulse control but little to no hyperactivity. Often, earlier ADD would also be used to what we now know as ADHD, it is an outdated term.
Currently, ADD is not an official diagnosis. ADHD is now the official diagnosis which has different subtypes as per the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), and what is referred to as ADD would be recognized as ADHD – Predominantly Inattentive Type or Presentation. Unofficially, ADD can also be referred to as inattentive ADHD, ADHD without hyperactivity or ADHD inattentive type.
What is ADHD and types of ADHD?
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that describes challenges in attention, hyperactivity, impulsivity or a combination of these. Symptoms for ADHD usually start before the age of 12 and persist into adulthood.
Three types of ADHD were categorized as per symptom presentation:
- Predominantly Inattentive Type or Presentation
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type or Presentation
- Combined Type or Presentation
ADD and ADHD Explained by Symptoms
ADD (Inattentive type ADHD):
- Trouble focusing or following through on tasks
- Frequently losing items
- Struggling to organize
- Often appears as not listening, daydreaming or mentally elsewhere
- Lacking attention to detail
- Forgetting appointments or commitments
ADHD (Hyperactive-Impulsive + Inattentive type ADHD)
- Struggles to finish tasks and pay attention
- Fidgets
- Can’t sit still or is restless
- Constantly interrupts others
- Acts impulsively or has impulsive decision-making
- Blurts out responses
- “On the go”
- Difficulty waiting and impatience
ADD vs ADHD in Children and Adults
In children, hyperactivity and impulsivity is most prominent, frequent fidgeting, inability to stay seated, blurting out answers, interrupting, etc. Inattention may present as forgetfulness, struggling to complete homework and general disorganization. As symptoms are more apparent, parents notice the behavior early. ADHD diagnosis in children requires at least 6 symptoms present before the age of 12 years.
In adults, hyperactivity and impulsivity become less overt i.e., an internal sense of restlessness, difficulty relaxing, making hasty decisions, experiencing unstable relationships, etc. Inattention would present as frequently misplacing important items, poor time management, distractibility, and emotional dysregulation. ADHD diagnosis in adults requires at least 5 symptoms present, impacting two or more settings (relationships, work, etc.), with symptoms present since childhood.
ADD vs ADHD Treatment
ADHD treatment is similar regardless of the type of ADHD, including medication (stimulants or non-stimulants), behavioral therapy and modification, executive function training, time management strategies, usually used in combination with each other to provide a tailored intervention plan depending on the individual’s needs. Adult treatment can also often involve emotional regulation, organizational skills and supportive skill building.
Managing ADD or ADHD can also include the following steps you can practice on a daily basis:
- Breaking tasks or goals into smaller steps
- Using planners, reminders and structure
- Practicing mindfulness and impulse control activities
- Building a concrete routine
Understanding that ADD (inattentive ADHD type) and other types of ADHD helps improve awareness regarding ADHD, its symptoms and how it manifests across different ages. ADHD is one of the most common, widespread neurodevelopmental disorders; hence, understanding it can help us deal with its challenges more effectively. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, the first step would be seeking assessment for ADHD, which you can take by searching for therapist near me and reaching out to them. Alternatively, connect to experts at North America Behavioral Health Services who will guide you to the right resources according to your concerns, issues, challenges, history and assessment to help you navigate these challenges and empower you to be more productive and effective in life.
Remember that the someone will always be there to help you in this journey of self-discovery and living life with ADHD.
