How Does ADHD Differ From ADD?

Many people still wonder about the difference between ADHD and ADD. Both terms may be used, especially when discussing children, adults, or women struggling with focus or restlessness. In truth, ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an old term. Today, doctors officially use ADHD, which stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Let’s explore what this means, how it affects different people, and how you can understand it better.

What is the Link Between ADD and ADHD?

The term ADD was used before 1987. It described people who had trouble focusing but didn’t show signs of hyperactivity. Today, the condition is officially called ADHD, and it includes different presentations or types:

Predominantly inattentive (formerly called ADD): People often struggle with paying attention, staying organized, or remembering things.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: These individuals are more physically active or impulsive.

Combined presentation: A combination of hyperactive/impulsive and inattentive.

Therefore, clinicians now use ADHD with presentations like inattentive, hyperactive, or mixed, even if some people still use ADD.

Difference Between ADHD and ADD in Children

In kids, the symptoms of ADHD can be easy to spot. Children may:

• Struggle to focus in class.

• Lose things like books, pencils, or toys.

• Daydream or seem distracted.

• Get up often during lessons.

• Talk too much or interrupt others.

• Have trouble finishing homework

Children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) may not be hyperactive. Since these kids don’t cause any trouble, they might go unnoticed. However, they continue to encounter difficulties. Children who exhibit hyperactive-impulsive behaviour frequently move around, talk out of turn, or have trouble controlling themselves. 

Diagnosis of children with ADHD and ADD usually involves a team of professionals,  paediatricians, psychologists, teachers, and sometimes brain scans to rule out other issues. No specific medical test exists, so professionals rely on observation, interviews, and reports from home and school.

Difference Between ADHD and ADD in Adults

Many people believe ADHD is only for kids, but that is not true. In adults, symptoms often remain, though they may appear differently.

Adults with inattentive ADHD, also called ADD, may:

• Be forgetful

• Miss deadlines

• Lose things like keys or documents.

• Struggle with planning and decision-making.

• Appear distracted during conversations.

• Have trouble focusing at work

Adults may feel restless, talk excessively, or act impulsively. This can show up as risky behaviours like speeding, compulsive shopping, or even drug use. Some adults don’t even know they have ADHD until they face long-term challenges. A complete assessment from a doctor or psychologist is the first step in understanding what’s going on.

Difference Between ADHD and ADD in Women

ADHD often looks different in women. Many girls and women are underdiagnosed because their symptoms are not as obvious. Women with ADHD have a subtype of  inattentive ADHD, like

• They may appear quiet or shy.

• Struggle silently with focus and time management.

• Emotional issues like anxiety and depression

Teachers and parents might overlook the indications since they are not disruptive. As a result, many women are not diagnosed until adulthood, especially after struggling with work, parenting, or mental health. In adult women, ADHD can lead to:

• Constant mental clutter

• Feeling overwhelmed

• Trouble balancing responsibilities

• Forgetfulness or disorganisation

• Mood swings

Medications and Treatment for ADHD and ADD

If you are wondering what the medication is for ADHD or ADD, several options can help. Although they don’t cure ADHD, drugs can help manage its symptoms.

The two main types of medications are:

1.  Stimulants: 

Stimulants are the most popular and dependable class of ADHD medications. Doctors frequently recommend them as initial treatments for individuals with ADHD. This class of drugs is sometimes referred to as central nervous system stimulant drugs. They function by raising the hormone levels of norepinephrine and dopamine. These brain chemicals influence motivation, focus, and movement (hyperactivity). Methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall pills) are examples of such stimulants. 

2. Non-stimulants: 

Stimulants and nonstimulants have distinct effects on the brain. They don’t raise dopamine levels, but they do alter your neurotransmitters. Nonstimulants are frequently used as second- or third-line treatments because they typically take longer to produce results than stimulants. When stimulants are not safe or effective for you, your doctor may recommend nonstimulants. Guanfacine, Strattera and Atomoxetine are examples of non-stimulants.

3. Therapy 

Therapy also plays a key role, especially in kids. It helps with behaviour, routines, and emotional control. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for adults. Many benefit from coaching in organisation, planning, and time management. Doctors may also perform a brain scan comparison (CMP) to rule out other medical conditions or support a diagnosis.

Can ADHD and ADD Be Diagnosed With a Brain Scan?

When comparing brain scans in ADHD and ADD, studies using fMRI and PET scans show apparent differences in brain activity. People with ADHD often have lower activity in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for focus and impulse control. Dopamine levels also fluctuate, which has an impact on behaviour and motivation. Structural differences like reduced brain volume in certain regions are also seen. While these findings support a biological link, brain scans alone can’t confirm a diagnosis; they must be used with behaviour assessments by a medical professional. 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How can you tell if someone has ADHD or ADD?

A: You might experience impulsive behaviour, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, or forgetfulness. See a mental health professional for an ADHD or ADD diagnosis and an individualised treatment plan if these symptoms persist for more than six months and interfere with day-to-day functioning.

Q: Are ADD and ADHD interchangeable?

A: ADD and ADHD differ in a few ways. While ADD only refers to inattentive symptoms, ADHD includes hyperactivity and impulsivity. While ADHD is the official medical term, ADD is now considered an outdated subtype of ADHD.

Q: Why is ADHD no longer referred to as ADD?

A: In 1987, ADD was renamed ADHD to encompass all symptoms, including impulsivity and hyperactivity. The diagnosis of ADHD in children and adults is now more precise and transparent since it now encompasses three types: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

Conclusion: The Final Key

However, when trying to understand the difference between the two, it is imperative to mention that ADHD has since become the terminology that medics adopt when referring to both cases of focus and hyperactivity. Contrary to the past, when ADD was an inattentive but less extroverted type, it is now one of the subtypes of ADHD. The primary key to the successful management of However, when trying to understand the difference between the two, it is imperative to mention that ADHD has since become the terminology that medics adopt when referring to both cases of focus and hyperactivity. Contrary to the past, when ADD was an inattentive but less extroverted type, it is now one of the subtypes of ADHD. The primary key to the successful management of ADHD is to recognize the condition, and this could be through therapy, medication or lifestyle changes.