ADD Vrs ADHD. Should be seperated as two completly different disorders.

Randy

Thanks for the great link and information about some of the differences between ADD and ADHD.  There is also some information on this site:

http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/add-adhd.html

Eileen

Hey Rockinrandy1965,

Thanks for the link Randy. I took a look at it and thought it was interesting.

I'm going to assume that you have ADD without hyperactivity. Am I right? I do too. I also have learning disabilities and anxiety.

Are you familiar with Dr. Thomas E. Brown's work? He's a psychologist who has dedicated his career to studying and writing about those of us who have ADD without hyperactivity. You might find his website interesting. Go to www.drthomasebrown.com

I haven't looked at Eileen's articles yet but plan to.

Grandma Lise

I think a lot of what was written was quite valid but I certainly don't agree with a lot of their definitions.

For a start, they claim that those with "ADD" don't have any hyperactivity, YET discuss the 'racing' mind of the person with ADD. To me and from what I have learned, I have a 'hyperactive' mind. Excessive talking is, to me, a hyperactive mouth because of my hyperactive mind!

I have also been diagnosed with GAD, but it is well known that those with ADHD are pre-disposed to co-morbid conditions and though my fidgeting and physical restlessness do get worse when I am anxious, I have always had internal restlessness and a need to move my limbs often, even when relaxed. NEVER been known to be hyperactive in the 'stereotypical' way and sincerely wish I was. In fact, the majority of the time, I think i'm hypoactive (except for the fiddling and "rump hyperactivity" when I'm sitting or lying down).

ADDers also have the constant feeling of boredom and difficulty in finding things that interest 100%, or at least enough to focus the attention on for long periods. Anxiety may definately be a problem in many areas but there is also the craving for stimulation of some type which often, especially when younger, put me in many dangerous situations.

In fact, I chose for a number of years to work in an environment with clients who frequently displayed challenging and/or dangerous behaviours because it was interesting, unpredictable and stimulating, even though very stressful. My homelife, however, had to remain predictable and unchanging.

To be honest, I didn't like the article mainly due to the reason that they assert that ADHD & ADD are completely different disorders.

I am pretty much a 'sterotypical' ADD female and my foster-son is very much the 'stereotypical' severe ADHD male with ALL the bad things reported for which it's mostly known for. He has ODD/CD, severe anxiety, lies, cheats, steals, involved in criminal activities, etc.., etc.. All of which are the complete opposite to the way I conduct myself or role modelled in the 5 years I have known him.

As far as the writers of the article would be concerned, there should be no similarities whatsoever, except a few surface appearances of certain behaviours. Except for the behaviours listed above, a lot of it contributed due to his upbringing and subsequent background in the welfare system and not necessarily because of his ADHD, in many other ways, we are extremely alike.

This similarity was not noticed by me but actually brought up in conversation by my foster-son when he was only 13. Since then, a few people who know us both well have commented on some of the similarities we have in the 'unusual' way we do things or think.

Over the years, I have read thousands of articles on ADHD/ADD and many books and don't recall coming across such an assertion that the 2 are separate disorders. I also highly recommend Dr Thomas Browns site. His book "The Unfocused Mind' (sorry, can't remember full title) is fabulous and valuable reading. I think you can read excerpts from it on his site.

Anyway, I just wanted to state my opinion and hope that not too many people read or take as verbatim what they read in that article.

Cheers, Michele