When it comes to attention deficit disorders, the terms ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are often used interchangeably. However, understanding the nuances between these two conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Here, we will look into the key differences in symptoms between ADD vs ADHD, shedding light on the distinct characteristics and challenges associated with each. By exploring the disparities in ADD vs ADHD symptoms and behaviors, we hope to provide clarity for individuals, parents, and professionals navigating the complexities of attention-related disorders. We will also offer you some insights on treatment approaches, so we can assist you in looking for the right Washington state mental health services for you or your loved ones.
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ADD vs ADHD: The Definitions
To understand the confusion and the difference between ADD and ADHD, we can start with definitions of these terms. ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is often used as a colloquial term for ADHD, a predominantly inattentive subtype. In formal diagnostic terms, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the preferred and more comprehensive term, while ADD is considered to be outdated.
To offer further clarification, here are three subtypes of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive Subtype: The main characteristics of this subtype are significant difficulties with attention and organization. The predominantly inattentive type is what can be considered for ADD.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Subtype: Although some attention problems are present, this subtype is heavily marked by prominent hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are not part of ADD symptomatology.
Combined Subtype: As the name suggests, this subtype involves a combination of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. The hyperactivity element is what sets it apart from what was previously known as ADD.
While ADD and ADHD may seem similar, the distinction lies in the inclusion of hyperactivity and impulsivity as core features of ADHD.
ADD vs ADHD: The Symptoms
ADD and ADHD share difficulties with attention, though they might manifest slightly differently. As mentioned before, hyperactivity is not a characteristic of ADD, which is why the rest of the symptomatology differs.
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FREE 24/7 Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Services HotlineADD symptoms:
- Inattention: having difficulties sustaining attention and focusing on tasks
- Distractibility: getting easily distracted by external stimuli
- Organization problems: struggling with organizing tasks, materials, and thoughts
- Forgetfulness: Frequently forgetting important details and being prone to losing things
- Daydreaming: being inattentive in situations or frequently appearing lost in thoughts
ADHD Symptoms:
- Inattention: experiencing difficulties sustaining attention and being easily distracted
- Hyperactivity: Not being able to stay still, constant fidgeting, and excessive restlessness
- Impulsivity: interrupting others, having difficulties waiting for their turn, as well as acting without thinking
- Poor impulse control: Engaging in risky behaviors without considering the consequences
- Excessive talking: Frequently talking excessively or blurting out answers before a question is completed
From these lists, we can conclude that ADD basically includes ADHD inattentive type symptoms, which is why ADD vs ADHD confusion still takes place. Having these symptoms in mind, here is a short overview that helps recognize either of these conditions:
- People with ADD present a predominantly inattentive presentation of the condition, meaning they will have difficulties keeping focus and attention and, therefore, organizing themselves or completing a task. This can lead to academic, professional, and personal difficulties. They may also struggle to follow instructions, make careless mistakes, and appear daydreamy and forgetful.
- People with ADHD, however, will, in addition to these signs, show hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. Usually, a constant need for movement is present, and they might show impulsive and risky behaviors without considering the consequences. They also tend to lose interest quickly.
ADD vs ADHD: The Diagnosis
Another difference between ADD and ADHD is diagnostic criteria, but at the same time, it is a cause of confusion in the ADD vs ADHD debate. The cause of confusion lies in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition) criteria for diagnosing ADHD, which states that an adult must show five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity. Defined this way, it is difficult to separate diagnosing ADHD from diagnosing ADD, especially keeping in mind that women tend to have an inattentive subtype of ADHD, meaning they would be practically showing symptoms of ADD.
There are additional troubles with diagnosing ADHD. For instance, for adults to be diagnosed with it, they had to show signs before the age of 12. The person in charge of diagnosing ADHD must consult school records and interview parents or other relevant parties to understand whether signs of ADHD existed in childhood. Additionally, ADHD in adults, especially if not recognized and treated earlier, tends to have comorbidities, mostly with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety disorders. These disorders can mimic ADHD and can be either caused by it or develop for an entirely different reason.
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Hotline: (509) 348-4077Professionals play a key role in diagnosing any of these conditions. There is no single test for ADHD, so experts combine different information to determine whether someone is struggling with ADD or ADHD. Diagnosing involves a comprehensive evaluation, interviews, and often record analysis.
Observed symptoms ought to be compared with the DSM-5 criteria. As ADD and ADHD were combined into one disorder in the fourth edition of the DSM, an official diagnosis of ADD cannot be set. The severity of symptoms and their occurrence in different settings is important for both drawing conclusions about diagnosis and making a choice about therapy.
ADD vs ADHD: The Treatments
The type and severity of symptoms exhibited will determine the choice of therapy. Treatment approaches can include medication, psychotherapy, training and education, and support strategies. Any treatment should be tailored to address the specific needs of individuals based on their diagnosis.
Those looking for an ADHD treatment Washington can count on several types of FDA-approved medications, which are divided into two groups:
- Stimulants – the most widely used ADHD medications. They are fast-acting and reduce symptoms significantly.
- Nonstimulants – they do not work as quickly as stimulants, but their effect can last up to 24 hours.
As these medications primarily affect inattentiveness, they are a good choice for all three subtypes of ADHD, meaning the ADD vs ADHD question is irrelevant in medical treatment. No matter the group they belong to, whether they are psychostimulants or antidepressants, all medicines impact neurotransmitters and affect mood, concentration, and attention, and can boost energy and alertness.
The psychotherapy approach can be somewhat different for ADD and ADHD, as it is always tailored to one´s needs and can address different manifestations of these conditions. Practically, this means that someone with predominantly inattentive symptoms, or what used to be considered for ADD, will work on their focus strategies, lack or loss of interest, or daydreaming. Someone with hyperactive manifestation, or what is typically considered for ADHD, will, in addition to inattentiveness, address the constant need to move or proneness to risky behavior.
Evidence-based approaches can help you regain control over your behavior. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), with its analysis of thinking and behaving patterns, can discover triggering situations and contexts for impulsive behavior or loss of focus. It also helps establish new, adaptive patterns of reacting, which can help with strategies in everyday life.
Dialectic-behavioral therapy (DBT) focuses on acceptance vs. change and assists people with accepting themselves as they are while also making small efforts to change certain manifestations of their condition that are otherwise affecting their professional and emotional lives. Finally, group therapy and support groups provide acceptance and a sense of belonging. These occasions are beneficial in many ways, one of which is hearing about how others dealt with certain symptoms and trying to implement their strategies in your own life.
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ADD vs ADHD: The Impact on Daily Life
ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, affecting approximately 5–10% of children and 2–5% of adults worldwide. It was more commonly diagnosed in men than women. However, recent research shows that men and women experience different symptoms (female symptoms are more similar to ADD), which is why ADHD was often misdiagnosed in women.
Untreated ADD/ADHD will undoubtedly impact one´s life, especially if it is diagnosed later in life. While some symptoms may persist from childhood into adulthood, there are also unique challenges that adults face. Below are some key considerations.
Recognition and Diagnosis
ADD/ADHD symptoms in adults can be overlooked or misattributed to other causes. Inattentive, less disruptive, and more internal symptoms may go unrecognized, especially in girls and women. This can result in a delayed diagnosis or individuals seeking support only when encountering difficulties in various areas.
Delays in treatment can result in poor academic performance at a young age due to inattentiveness or risky behavior due to hyperactivity, both of which can have long-term consequences.
Improved Coping Skills
With age, individuals with ADD/ADHD may develop better coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their symptoms. However, these skills may not be effectively utilized without proper diagnosis and treatment, leading to ongoing challenges. Inattentive types can still struggle in relationships, while hyperactive types can suffer in work-related situations if their strategies are misplaced.
Impact of Responsibilities
ADHD and ADD in adults often involve increased responsibilities in various domains of life, such as work, relationships, and finances. The sense of having more responsibilities can come from the daily inner struggle to provide society with what does not come naturally to them (e.g., attention). This can further amplify the impact of symptoms.
Difficulties with organization, time management, and impulsivity can have more significant consequences, affecting job performance, financial stability, and interpersonal relationships. These effects can, in turn, impact overall mental health.
Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions
Adults with ADD/ADHD may also experience co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Mood disorders can either develop because of ADD/ADHD, or they can occur for another reason. These conditions can interact with and worsen ADD/ADHD symptoms. They can also mimic some symptoms of ADD/ADHD and complicate diagnosis in adults.
Environmental and Life Factors
Stressors and demands in adulthood, such as career pressures, financial obligations, and relationship dynamics, can contribute to changes in ADD/ADHD symptoms. Increased stress levels and demanding environments may make it more difficult to manage symptoms effectively.
Parents and the school environment often play a key role in childhood, but if ADD/ADHD is not recognized until adulthood, the usual stressors from childhood and adolescence can have a significant negative impact on self-esteem and self-efficacy.
Get Help for ADHD and ADD
We started with a question: are ADD and ADHD the same? It might seem that the ADD vs ADHD debate is irrelevant since the DSM-5 combined them into a single disorder, and you can only be officially diagnosed with ADHD. However, understanding the difference between ADD and ADHD and their symptoms can bring you peace of mind when looking for mental health services and mental health hospitals near me.
Whether predominantly inattentive or hyperactive, ADHD is a treatable condition. Once your diagnosis is set and you get proper treatment, you can live a fulfilled life. Early intervention and ongoing management can significantly reduce the impact of symptoms and improve overall functioning. We at Level Up Washington can help you develop skills and get proper treatment. Call us and regain control over your life.
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Popular ADD vs ADHD FAQs
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What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?
The main difference between ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is that ADD primarily focuses on attention-related difficulties. In contrast, ADHD, in addition to that, includes hyperactivity and impulsivity as core symptoms.
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Do I have ADD or ADHD?
A healthcare professional can provide an accurate diagnosis of whether you have ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) based on a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms.
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Can you have ADD and ADHD?
Yes and no. ADD and ADHD are terms used interchangeably to refer to the same condition. Technically, if you have the inattentive type of ADHD, you have what used to be considered ADD.
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Magnus, Warren, et al. “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441838.
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“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” Www.samhsa.gov, 8 Feb. 2023, www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.
Fairbank, Rachel. “An ADHD Diagnosis in Adulthood Comes with Challenges and Benefits.” Apa.org, 2023, www.apa.org/monitor/2023/03/adult-adhd-diagnosis.