Have you asked yourself the question, “Is ADD the same as ADHD?” It’s a question a lot of people find confusing.
Maybe you heard one doctor say ADHD and another friend of yours said ADD, which leaves you confused as to what the truth really is.
With so many assumptions, there is a misconception spread around these terms, and it is harder to pinpoint the true meaning behind them.
Let us explain it in a way that will set your record straight.
By the time you finish reading, there will be no doubt in your mind whether ADD and ADHD are the same or different.
That is not everything—we will also see how these two terms have been incorporated with modern-day diagnostic criteria, what symptoms are sought after, and what is being done.
Is ADD the Same as ADHD? – The Difference Between ADHD and ADD
Yes, but the explanation is more elaborate than that.
ADD is an abbreviation that was used when classifying people who had issues paying attention but did not have hyperactivity.
In the current version of the DSM-5, ADD was included in ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), meaning that ADHD now contains everything.
ADD patients are now called ADHD patients.
This is where it becomes complicated. People still call the inattentive type of ADHD “ADD.”
Why? It provides a simple way to denote people who have problems focusing but do not have hyperactivity.
It is an incomplete term, but outdated or not, it is still used commonly.
What Is ADD, and Why Was the Term Changed?
ADD first described people who had “quiet” symptoms of losing focus, daydreaming, or forgetting things.
For decades, this has been the primary label for attention problems, especially for patients who were not overly active.
Then, people realised that ADD was not so distinctly separate from other attention issues.
Thus, the American Psychiatric Association decided to simplify matters and put everything under ADHD as an umbrella term that covered all subtypes.
The Three Types of ADHD:
To clear up the difference in ADHD and ADD, let us briefly outline the three presentations currently acknowledged in the diagnosis.
- Predominantly inattentive presentation (formerly ADD): A person’s inability to focus, organize, or remember things does not stem from any hyperactive or impulsive behaviors.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation: Constant fidgeting and impulsive actions with the inability to “sit still” or “relax.”
- Combined presentation: Having traits of both inattention and hyperactive-impulsiveness.
These methods of classification enable clinicians to determine which category a particular patient fits in, thus assisting them in putting together symptoms that need to be treated.
How Is ADD Different From ADHD?
The most crucial difference between ADD and ADHD has to do with hyperactivity.
Patients who have the inattentive presentation, also known as ADD, do not show noticeable signs of hyperactive or impulsive behaviors.
Instead, they face greater internal challenges.
For example, a person with ADD will likely display behavior such as procrastination, disinterest in mid-conversation, or leaving tasks unfinished.
This does not stem from a lack of concern; rather, their attention wanders far too easily.
These symptoms are typically viewed as slackness which adds to the psychological burden of these people.
On the other hand, ADHD combined with hyperactivity shows some features like persistent fidgeting, excessive verbalization, and impulsive acting without conscious consideration.
Understanding the difference between ADD and ADHD is important to understand which approach to take.
Can You Have ADHD and ADD?
The short answer is no. Having ADD is not recognized as a diagnosis anymore, as it falls under the umbrella of ADHD.
When someone reports a mix of features, most often they are talking about the manifestations of inattention combined with hyperactivity.
The technical term for this condition is ADHD, combined presentation.
These pieces of information may still be too much to grasp for some, which is completely understandable.
However, the most important takeaway is that all the subtypes of ADD and ADHD unfold under a single umbrella of ADHD.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD? – Discovering the Signs
For ADHD (sometimes referred to as ADD), a multifaceted approach is required to assess and diagnose symptoms that can manifest in daily activity such as in school, home or work settings.
The following sign signs are often used for diagnosis under each subtype.
Predominantly inattentive symptoms (ADD-like):
- Achieving focus on tasks set is a challenge.
- Daily tasks and activities are often forgotten.
- Frequently zoning out with noticeable daydreaming tendencies.
- Struggles to manage time and keep organized.
- Losing commonly used items such as keys, phones, and even school materials.
Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive symptoms:
- Restlessness and inability to engage in activities for prolonged periods.
- Constant talking or blurting answers during communication.
- Struggles with waiting for a turn or participating in turn-taking activities.
- Blurting-out tendencies are common.
- Saying things that are considered impolite during the conversation.
A combination of symptoms is paying attention and showing high activity behavior at different levels. These symptoms are very important in formulating a treatment plan.
Treatment for ADD/ADHD
Fortunately, all forms of ADHD are treatable by using medication.
Whether attention deficit symptoms (ADD-like) or hyperactivity symptoms are the focus, there are ways to aid with concentration, organization, and an overall positive life experience.
1. Medication:
Stimulant medications: The most frequently prescribed type include methylphenidate or amphetamines. When choosing to avoid stimulants, non-stimulant medications may work as well.
2. Behavioral Therapy:
Therapy aids people in overcoming major problems like procrastination or getting emotionally overwhelmed. Applying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is especially useful.
3. Lifestyle Strategies:
Practicing mindfulness, using alarms or planners, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, and so much more can aid in managing ADHD symptoms.
4. Support Systems:
Most children need help from teachers in the case of IEPs, whereas adults can seek help through social support or ADHD coaching.
It is vital to understand that treating ADD or ADHD for each individual is not just through medications but comprehensively and holistically.
Why the Confusion Over ADD and ADHD Matters
The combination of ADD and ADHD still baffles people not just as a sentence but as a psychological term.
Emotionally, there is a chance that the family may not understand that inattentive ADHD does not come with physical restlessness and thus unconsciously dismiss it.
These definitions also help illustrate that making proper medical care, support, or therapy possible does not need to be an effort that is feared or avoided.
By breaking down whether ADD and ADHD are the same, and clarifying language, we can foster better conversations.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, is ADD the same as ADHD? Put simply, they are the same in that ADD is included in the umbrella term of ADHD.
While ADD should be used informally, it does help in explaining the inattentive features of the diagnosis.
In reality, neither of the two terms lessen the real problems one has to deal with.
What matters is recognizing the particular symptoms your particular one or a family member has and getting the necessary help—be it therapy, medication, or management.
Get ADD/ADHD Support at Kharis Ephrata Psychiatric Services LLC
Here at Kharis Ephrata Psychiatric Services LLC, we work with our patients to ensure they know and cope with ADHD in any of its forms
If you are confused about the diagnosis, have attention issues, or need treatment for ADD/ADHD, we can help.
We provide thorough evaluations of adult ADHD with accompanying emotional problems and DSM-5 scoring assessment.
Contact us today.
FAQs
What is the difference in ADHD and ADD?
ADD is the one to be referred to when it comes to inattentive ADHD without hyperactive symptoms. The modern term for it is now “ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation.”
Why is ADD no longer a diagnosis?
The word “ADD” was substituted with “ADHD” in the DSM-5 to rearrange classifications in order for all presentations to be included under one umbrella term.
Is ADD a type of autism?
No, ADD is not a kind of autism. Although, they can still have some same symptoms such as difficulty focusing these are indeed individual conditions.