ADD Vs. ADHD

Medically reviewed by Melissa Guarnaccia, LCSW
Updated October 15, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

Over 360 million adults worldwide were noted as having a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in 2020. Although studied mostly in children, ADHD can continue into the teen and adult years and can be diagnosed later in life, according to the American Psychiatric Association

When researching ADHD, you may see the acronym "ADD" (for attention deficit disorder) pop up. You may have heard someone using it to describe themselves in the past or have seen it mentioned in the media, which may portray ADD and ADHD interchangeably. You may wonder if ADHD and ADD are similar, the same, or completely different psychiatric conditions.

Getty
Learn more about the symptoms of ADHD with a professional

Attention deficit disorder vs. attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Criteria for what we now call attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have changed over time, and as psychologists learn more about the condition, the noted symptoms of ADHD continue to adapt. 

In the DSM-III, released in 1980, ADD and ADHD were distinct disorders. ADD stood for "attention deficit disorder," whereas ADHD stood for and continues to stand for "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder."

Before the release of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM-4), ADD was often described as ADHD without symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

ADD is now an outdated term, according to medical professionals, and the term ADHD covers all categories of symptoms. Instead of different disorders, the DSM now specifies different presentations of ADHD in the criteria for the condition, such as primarily hyperactive-impulsive type or combined type.

Types of ADHD

While ADD is no longer used as a diagnosis, presentations of ADHD that are not dominated by symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity still exist.

According to the diagnostic criteria in the DSM presented by the Centers for Disease Control, An ADHD diagnosis requires six or more symptoms for children up to age 16 or five or more symptoms for those ages 17 and older. Symptoms must be present for at least six months, are inappropriate for the developmental level, and start to occur before the age of 12.

There are three main "types" of ADHD, describing how the condition may present. They include the following.

Predominantly inattentive presentation (ADHD-PI)

If enough symptoms of inattentiveness or difficulty sustaining attention are present in someone who meets the criteria for ADHD but does not demonstrate symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity, this condition is referred to as the predominantly inattentive type of ADHD, inattentive type ADHD, or simply inattentive ADHD.

Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation (ADHD-HI)

The ADHD-HI presentation is mostly an impulsive presentation, though it can also have a hyperactivity component. If enough symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity, but not inattentiveness, are present in someone who meets the criteria for ADHD, they may receive a diagnosis of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD or be medically referred to as a “hyperactive-impulsive type.”

Combined type presentation (combined ADHD)

If enough symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattentiveness are present in a person who meets the criteria for ADHD, they may receive a diagnosis of the combined type of ADHD.

ADHD symptoms

All the above presentations fall under the diagnosis of ADHD, and no one presentation is more authentic or severe than another. Although symptoms vary and present differently from person to person, they all impact a person's life.

Getty/AnnaStills

Inattentive symptoms

People with inattentive ADHD tend to exhibit some of the following behaviors:

  • Trouble paying attention to detail (for example, difficulty following instructions at work or school)

  • Difficulty organizing tasks, such as chores or activities at work or school

  • Frequently lose things

  • Trouble listening

  • Difficulty with time management

  • Becoming easily distracted

  • Avoidance of tasks or difficulty with tasks that require sustained mental effort

  • Difficulty focusing on what someone is saying during a conversation or feeling that one is "spacing out"

Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms

Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms may include:

  • Fidgeting (shaking one's leg, squirming in a seat, noticeably moving hands and feet, not being able to sit for long periods)

  • Feeling restless or experiencing bursts of energy/hyperactivity

  • Feeling as though one is "on the go" or "driven by a motor"

  • Interrupting others 

  • Having trouble waiting for one's turn

  • Difficulty engaging in leisure activities quietly

  • Talking often or in a rushed manner

Combined type ADHD simultaneously includes symptoms from the hyperactive/impulsive symptoms list and inattentive list.

Diagnosing ADHD

For an attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder diagnosis to occur, a practitioner may first test to see if symptoms are attributed to another condition. 

ADHD can be diagnosed in any person of any gender, age, or life experience. ADHD can interfere with work, interpersonal relationships, daily self-care activities, attending appointments and meetings on time, or household chores. 

ADHD is a psychiatric condition that can significantly impact a person’s life. It goes beyond the experiences of a person who sometimes struggles to pay attention or makes careless mistakes. While colloquialisms don’t always reflect people’s true understanding of the condition, referring to behaviors as “so ADHD” may come off as trivializing the condition.

If you believe you may have symptoms of ADHD, consider reaching out to a primary care practitioner for medical advice, diagnosis, or ADHD treatment.

Facts and statistics about ADHD

Here are some facts and statistics about ADHD that you may find interesting, comforting, or otherwise beneficial to know:

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder can impact people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

  • Those with a parent or sibling with ADHD are statistically more likely to live with ADHD. Peer reviewed studies show a 74% hereditary rate for the condition.

  • Per research by the National Resource Center on ADHD, 4% of children in the United States are said to receive a diagnosis of ADHD at some point.

  • A person's age can affect their symptoms. A child’s symptoms of ADHD may overlap with adult symptoms, but they may also demonstrate additional symptoms, such as behavior problems, or different manifestations of the same symptoms (such as running and climbing in childhood that transitions into racing thoughts or other mental hyperactivity in adulthood).

  • About 4.4% of adults in the United States live with ADHD, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.

  • Research demonstrates that people with ADHD struggle with sleep disturbances more often than the rest of the general population. This disturbance may include trouble falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep.

  • Several comorbidities or co-occurring conditions may be more likely to present in those with ADHD than in the general population. These conditions include but are not limited to mood disorders, anxiety disorders, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and substance use conditions.*

*Substance use conditions may feel isolating. If you or someone you know struggles with substance use or a substance use disorder, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 or visit the SAMHSA website.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis

If you or someone in your care may have ADHD, you might wonder how to start the diagnostic process. Often, the diagnostic process for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder involves mental health professionals who specialize in ADHD.

To find someone qualified to provide an ADHD diagnosis, you can:

  • Search the web for centers or providers in your area

  • Ask your general doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist to refer you to someone who can provide an ADHD evaluation

During your evaluation appointment, a provider will analyze your symptoms and medical history, which may be a lengthy process. However, a diagnosis can be valuable and potentially life-changing for someone previously living with undiagnosed ADHD.

A diagnosis may provide relief because it can give you a starting point to address your symptoms. With a diagnosis, you may be able to manage ADHD through treatment, a personal understanding of your symptoms and how they affect you, and potential accommodations at work or school.

Getty/AnnaStills
Learn more about the symptoms of ADHD with a professional

Treatment for ADHD and other mental disorders

ADHD is often treated using medication or a combination of medication and therapy for children and adults. There are stimulant and nonstimulant ADHD medications. Consult your prescribing doctor or primary care physician when considering medication, especially if you already take other medicines.

Symptoms of this condition may impact all areas of your life, and therapy may be an effective ADHD treatment option for helping you manage troublesome behaviors or thought patterns. Remember, ADHD might affect work and school experiences, daily tasks, interpersonal relationships, stress levels, and even a person's emotions—for example, many people with ADHD face increased rejection sensitivity. A counselor may help you learn to deal with these symptoms on an emotional level, as well as treat other conditions that co-occur alongside ADHD, such as mood disorders.

Studies show that online counseling is as effective as traditional counseling for those with ADHD. Online counseling could be a valuable alternative for someone who struggles to remember appointments or find the motivation to leave home. 

To find a therapist, you can ask your primary care physician for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, search the web, or sign up for a reputable online therapy platform such as BetterHelp.

Takeaway

Although ADD is no longer a clinical term, there are several defined types of ADHD and the inattentive type may exhibit symptoms similar to those initially outlined under ADD. When reading about this condition, you may want to consider using only high-quality or updated sources that refer to it by its correct name. If you're interested in learning more about this topic as it applies to your own potential diagnosis, or if you have a child with ADHD and are interested in parent training, consider reaching out to a counselor and taking the first step toward self-understanding and behavior management.

Gain a better understanding of ADHD
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
Get the support you need from one of our therapistsGet started