ADD vs ADHD: What Are The Differences & Similarities
Many people use the terms ADD and ADHD as if they mean the same thing, but there is a key difference. ADD, or attention deficit disorder, was once used to describe individuals who struggled with focus and attention but did not show signs of hyperactivity.Â
ADHD is among the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting children and adults alike. Some people with ADHD have trouble sitting still and controlling impulses, while others mainly struggle with focus and organization. Symptoms can look different depending on age and type, making diagnosis complex.
This ADHD vs. ADD guide addresses issues like what’s the difference between ADD and ADHD, whether ADD and ADHD are the same in terms of symptoms, how to get ADD ADHD testing, the most common ADHD causes, and how to connect with effective treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders. Read on to learn all about ADHD vs. ADD.
Many wonder, “What is ADD?” or “What does ADD stand for?” ADD stands for attention deficit disorder, a term that was once used to describe individuals who had trouble focusing but did not show signs of hyperactivity [1]. While the term ADD disorder was widely used in the past, it is no longer an official diagnosis. Today, it falls under the broader condition known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and is referred to as ADHD with predominantly inattentive presentation [2].
People often ask, “What is ADD disorder?” or “What’s ADD?” ADD is a condition that primarily affects a person’s ability to focus, stay organized, and remember important details. Unlike the more commonly recognized hyperactive form of ADHD, individuals with ADD do not struggle with constant movement or impulsive behavior. Instead, their challenges often appear as difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, and struggling with organization.
The most common ADD symptoms include:
These symptoms can lead to frustration in both school and work environments, as individuals with ADD often feel overwhelmed by tasks that require sustained focus.
Recognizing ADD symptoms in children can be difficult because children naturally have shorter attention spans than adults. However, signs of ADD in a child go beyond typical childhood distractions. Some common ADD symptoms in kids include:
Because these behaviors are less disruptive than hyperactive symptoms, children with inattentive ADHD (formerly called ADD) are often overlooked. Signs of ADD in a child may be mistaken for laziness, lack of effort, or even a learning disability. This is especially true for girls, who are more likely to have inattentive symptoms rather than hyperactive behaviors.
Many parents and adults wonder, “How to diagnose ADD?” or “What is an ADD diagnosis like?” Since ADD is now classified as a subtype of ADHD, the ADD condition is diagnosed using ADHD criteria. An ADD diagnosis involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, pediatrician, or psychologist.
To receive a diagnosis, an individual must show at least six symptoms of inattention (or five for adults) that have persisted for at least six months and significantly impact daily life. The evaluation process may include:
Diagnosing ADD in adults can be more challenging because many individuals develop coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. Often, adults realize they may have ADD disorder when they see similar signs in their children and recognize the same struggles in themselves.
While ADD can make life more difficult, proper diagnosis and management strategies can significantly improve focus, organization, and overall quality of life.
ADHD is divided into three main types: inattentive, impulsive-hyperactive, and combined. Each type presents different challenges, although all involve difficulty with focus, self-control, and daily responsibilities.
This type of ADHD is most similar to what was once called ADD. People with inattentive ADHD struggle with focus, organization, and memory but do not show high levels of impulsivity or restlessness. Inattentive ADHD symptoms include:
Because these symptoms are not as outwardly disruptive as hyperactivity, inattentive ADHD is often overlooked, especially in girls and adults [3]. Many individuals with this type go undiagnosed for years, leading to challenges in school, work, and relationships.
People with this type of ADHD show high energy, impulsive behavior, and difficulty sitting still. This type is easier to identify because the symptoms are more visible and can interfere with structured environments like school or work. Symptoms of impulsive-hyperactive ADHD include:
Children with this type of ADHD may struggle in the classroom because they have trouble waiting their turn, sitting still, or following structured routines. Adults with this type may struggle with impulsive decisions, difficulty in professional settings, and frequent job changes.
The combined type of ADHD includes symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD [4]. This means individuals experience difficulties with focus, organization, and memory while also struggling with impulsivity and restlessness. Symptoms of combined ADHD include:
This type of ADHD is the most commonly diagnosed, as individuals with combined symptoms tend to display a wide range of challenges. Since both inattention and hyperactivity are present, this type is more noticeable in school or work environments.
Diagnosing ADHD is not as simple as taking a single test. A proper diagnosis requires a detailed evaluation of a person’s behaviors, history, and symptoms across multiple settings. Medical professionals use standardized guidelines to determine if an individual meets the criteria for ADHD.
Diagnostic Criteria
To receive an ADHD diagnosis, a person must display at least six symptoms of either inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity (or both for combined type). These symptoms must:
Teachers and parents often provide observations to help determine how ADHD symptoms in kids affect behavior in school and at home. Medical professionals may review childhood history, workplace struggles, and personal relationships for adults to assess long-term patterns.
Medical and Psychological Evaluations
Doctors and mental health professionals use various tools to confirm an ADHD diagnosis, including:
Because ADHD symptoms can overlap with other mental health issues, a thorough evaluation is necessary to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
ADHD affects people of all ages, but symptoms often present differently in children than adults. Understanding these differences can help individuals recognize symptoms and seek appropriate treatment.
ADHD in Children
ADHD is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, often when school-related challenges become noticeable. Children with ADHD may struggle with sitting still, following directions, completing homework, or interacting with peers. Key signs in children include:
Since hyperactivity is more straightforward to spot, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than girls. That said, girls with inattentive ADHD often go undiagnosed because they may be seen as daydreamers rather than disruptive. Girls with ADHD may struggle with focus, forgetfulness, and organization, but because they are less likely to act out, their symptoms may be mistaken for carelessness or lack of effort.
If ADHD is left untreated in childhood, it can lead to academic struggles, low self-esteem, and difficulties forming friendships. Many children with ADHD experience frustration because they want to do well but have trouble meeting expectations. Early diagnosis and intervention can help children develop strategies to manage their symptoms and succeed in school and social situations.
ADHD in Adults
Many people believe ADHD is only a childhood disorder, but for many, symptoms continue into adulthood. The way ADHD manifests in adults can be different from how it appears in children, partly because adults have often learned to mask or compensate for their struggles. While hyperactivity may decrease with age, inattention, forgetfulness, and impulsivity can still impact daily life.
Key signs of ADHD in adults include:
Adults with ADHD may face significant challenges in the workplace. They might struggle with meeting deadlines, organizing tasks, or staying engaged during meetings. This can lead to underperformance, frequent job changes, or workplace conflicts. Some adults with ADHD also have trouble managing finances, forgetting to pay bills on time or making impulsive purchases.
ADHD can also affect personal relationships. Adults with ADHD may interrupt conversations, forget commitments, or struggle with emotional regulation, which can cause frustration for partners, friends, and family members. They may also find it hard to maintain long-term relationships due to impulsive decision-making or difficulty managing responsibilities.
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Since ADHD symptoms can change with age, many adults with the condition were never diagnosed as children. Some may not realize they have ADHD until they face difficulties in their careers, relationships, or personal responsibilities. Seeking an evaluation and treatment can help adults with ADHD learn strategies to improve focus, organization, and self-control, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
While people often compare ADHD vs. ADD, they are not exactly the same. ADD was once used to describe a type of ADHD that lacks hyperactivity, but it is no longer an official diagnosis. Today, all forms of attention-related disorders fall under the term ADHD, which has different types based on symptoms.
People with (what was once called) ADD often struggle with focus, organization, and memory but do not show excessive energy or impulsivity. They may seem forgetful, easily distracted, or lost in their thoughts, making tasks like schoolwork or job responsibilities difficult.
In 1987, the term ADD was removed from DSM (the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and replaced with ADHD. This change recognized that attention issues and hyperactivity exist on a spectrum, leading to different subtypes rather than separate conditions.
The 9 core symptoms of ADHD include difficulty paying attention, making careless mistakes, struggling to follow instructions, being easily distracted, forgetfulness, fidgeting, excessive talking, trouble waiting turns, and impulsively interrupting others. To be diagnosed, these symptoms must be persistent and impact daily life.
Now that you know the difference between ADHD and ADD, reach out to Connections for help getting back on track. We treat ADHD and ADD (inattentive ADHD) in an immersive inpatient setting at our beachside facility.
We keep group size small to balance personalized attention and peer support as you address ADD vs ADHD symptoms in a controlled setting.
Since all neurodevelopmental disorders differ, we deliver customized treatment plans to reflect this. After a month at our luxury treatment center, you will improve your overall well-being and daily functioning. A few key features of our program include:Â
Begin your recovery right away by calling Connections at 844-759-0999.
[1] https://childmind.org/article/what-is-the-difference-between-add-and-adhd/
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18268458/
[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4195638/
[4] https://add.org/adhd-combined-type
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