ADHD vs ADD are discussed by many people as though they are different. Others believe that it is a lesser version of ADD. Some of us assume that ADHD can only be in hyperactive children. However, the fact is that the terms are confusing and such confusion usually brings practical harm. The misdiagnosis of people occurs. Children lack the support that they require. Adults often hold themselves responsible for issues that have a clinical cause.
Within the following blog, we will explore the real difference between ADHD and ADD, and why this difference matters more than most people suspect.
Let’s Start With The Basics: What Is ADHD?
ADHD is an abbreviation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurobehavioral disorder that interferes with attention, control, and restlessness. The doctors have gone ahead to refer to everybody as having ADHD, yet not all are hyperactive enough.
Previously, individuals applied the term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder to describe individuals with impairment in focusing but not hyperactive and impulsive.
Healthcare professionals no longer use the term ADD nowadays. It is instead referred to as ADHD, Inattentive Type. This implies that the condition remains the same, yet the symptoms appear different.
What Inattentive ADHD vs ADD Looks Like
An inattentive ADHD person can:
- Appear to be quiet or thinking sufficiently hard to provide a clue of their thoughts.
- Forgot to do something often.
- Easily distracted.
- Difficulty in accomplishing things.
- Look lazy or sloppy (but they aren’t)
This individual tends not to exhibit high energy levels or restlessness. Therefore, they tend to pass unnoticed, especially in the classrooms and offices. Individuals with inattentive ADHD are misdiagnosed until adulthood in most instances.
In different situations, individuals with inattentive ADHD are not diagnosed before adulthood. They can take years believing that there is something wrong with them, whereas the reality is that they have a different type of attention problem.
The Reason The ADHD vs ADD Confusion Is A Big Problem.
This complication might appear to be minor, however, it leads to authentic issues:
- Children who are shy are overlooked since they do not cause trouble.
- The later diagnosis of girls is due to inattentive symptoms that are usually prevalent to them.
- Adults who have inattentive ADHD are likely to misplace the blame on to themselves that they are lazy yet it is not their fault.
- Having ADHD feels like hyper to people, so they do not notice the symptoms in others (or themselves)
This is the reason why grasping the difference between ADHD and ADD is not that simple, but it is about assisting the individuals who silently need help.
Symptoms
ADHD -Inattentive Type (ADD)
- Easily distracted.
- Forgots the day to day things.
- Can misplace things a lot of the time.
- Does not seem to listen.
- Problems with task completion.
- Problems with timing and decision making.
- Looks reverie or spaced out.
It is less noticeable, and, that is why, it is underdiagnosed frequently, particularly, in girls and quiet children.
ADHD- Hyperactive/impulsive Type
- Nervousness or restlessness.
- Chatters a lot or constantly interferes with people.
- Fretting to wait their turn.
- Do things without thinking.
- Boredom easily comes along.
- Irritable or short tempered.
It is the easier one to recognize and it is commonly diagnosed earlier in particular among boys.
What About Adults Who Have ADHD Or ADD?
Yes, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder does not end when growing up. There were a good number of adults who were not diagnosed as children and continue to have problems.
The red flags of adult ADHD ( type) consist of:
- Missing the appointment/ deadline.
- Struggling with time management.
- Getting overwhelmed by small tasks.
- Initiating projects and not completing them.
- Inability to concentrate during meetings.
Being drained out psychologically and at the head all the time.
Adults with inattentive ADHD (ADD) may find themselves thinking that they are never catching up in life, and they even strive so much to do their best.
They tend to even refer to themselves as lazy, but this is not a case of laziness. It is a condition based on the brain and requires understanding rather than judgment.
Diagnosis And Treatment
When you or the person you observe demonstrates signs of ADHD, there is no need to feel afraid of expressing the need to help that person. Tests, checklists, and interviews are used by the doctors to diagnose it.
Treatment is usually common such as:
- Medicine- such as stimulants or non-stimulants
- CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Coaching, to establish daily habits and time coupons
- Lifestyle modification (sleep, nutrition, and exercising)
- The treatment will be based on the kind of ADHD and the daily requirement of the individual.
Final Thoughts
What really is the truth about ADHD vs ADD? They are not two varieties of conditions. ADD used to be another name of the disease that is now referred to under the term ADHD, inattentive type. The outstanding difference is that ADD lacks hyperactivity. Both however require care, support and understanding. In case you or a person you know exhibits symptoms of ADHD, do not delay. With the appropriate assistance, lives can be altered.