What's the Difference Between ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?
When you look at the last couple of years many different terms for infants, adolescents and adults with ADHD have been introduced. They were mainly influenced by American descriptions of the classification system DSM-IV:
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the term utilized in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria.
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or even without hyperactivity is the older term from the DSM-IIIR. So in a select number older literature you will find this term as a synonym for ADHD.
The difference between ADD and ADHD, in short, is basically nothing. However, I'm sure you desire to get an even more detailed explanation. This will be elaborated further.
Again, the new Diagnostic criteria is ADHD but there is still some referral to ADD. So no need to be confused. They are now all referred to as ADHD even if there is no hyperactivity for that particular patient.
While the differences are not substantial, there are different varieties of ADHD just as there are different varieties of cancer.
A select number professionals however use the term "ADD" although it is the equivalent as if they used the term "ADHD." To sum it up, ADD technically is ADHD and vice versa.
There are 2 main categories of ADHD: Inattentive and Hyperactive. Both are considered ADHD. If someone is diagnosed with ADD it's the equivalent of "ADHD: Predominately Inattentive." Predominately inattentive means that the hyper-active elements of ADHD aren't as relevant, however not entirely excluded with that individual.
The Inattention Symptoms of ADHD
An individual with ADHD will do any or even all of these things that display a lack of attention chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:
* Loses things
* Seems not to listen
* Has difficulty keeping attention on something
* Avoids tasks requiring focus for any sustained amount of time
* Gets simply distracted
* Is incredibly un-organized
* Has problems following instructions
* Short-term forgetfulness
* Makes careless mistakes
The HyperActive Symptoms of ADHD
A individual with ADHD can do any or even all of these things that display Hyperactivity, chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:
* Interrupts constantly
* Talks too much
* Can't stay still or even fidgets
* Has problems with sitting quietly and doing activities
* Difficulty waiting in line or even taking turns
* Incredibly impatient
* Runs around excessively
This should clear up the different between ADHD and ADD. The terms are now the same, except using ADHD now there are inattention and hyperactive terms used or not used to describe ADHD patients.
Copyright 2005 Fern Kuhn, RN
Specializing in Diabetes
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