A few years ago it seemed like everyone was talking about ADD -- and now it's ADHD. Is there a difference between the two?
Q: What's the difference between ADD and ADHD?
Answers (4)
4/25/08 8:52pm
KK255,
Many people are confused with these two terms. At one time, the term ADD was commonly used to indicate Attention Deficit Disorder without Hyperactivity. ADHD was used to describe Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity. However, the correct medical term is ADHD, and this refers to both with and without hyperactivity as these are all considered to be one diagnosis.
Today, people (me as well) often use the term ADD to describe Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity, simply because there is one less letter and it is easier to say. This is explained in more detail in ADD or ADHD: Which is Correct?
There are some differences in ADD and ADHD, as indicated in Differentiating ADD and ADHD: Diagnosis, Symptoms and Treatment.
I hope this helps explain this more.
Eileen
4/18/08 2:40pm
Hello KK255,
There is a great overview located here about ADD vs ADHD. Some of the sections include an article about the subtle differences by Eileen Bailey, a resident expert here. There is also a good article here about differentiating between the two and the different treatments for each.
You might also be interested to know that there are related conditions that can mask a diagnosis of one or the other. You can read about those here.
I hope you find this useful. Please stay in touch and let us know how you are doing!
Vicki M
3/14/11 7:01pm
I was diagnosed with ADD a few years ago and I know for a fact that ADD and ADHD are two different conditions. I only had problems staying focused and on-task in school. Someone with ADHD has problems with their energy and are incredibly hyper throughout the day. I am about as quiet as they come when in class, so obviously I do not have ADHD. I do not have trouble in school seeing as I am holding a steady 4.0 gpa and currently taking college math and psychology-I am a junior in high school. The medication used to treat ADD is mainly targeted to keep the person focused, while ADHD medication works mostly to decrease the person's energy levels. So, as you can see, while the 2 conditions are related to each other, ADD is obviously not the same as ADHD.
8/26/11 11:48pm
what is the difference between ADD and ADHD
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