Difference Between ADD and ADHD (With Table)

ADD is primarily a disorder of inattention. If you have ADD, you’re most likely to get distracted easily, not focus on tasks, and have difficulty organizing. If you have ADHD, your symptoms are more likely to include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, and inattention.

ADHD was once considered a childhood disorder. But today, it’s known that ADHD can continue through adolescence and into adulthood.

ADD vs ADHD

The main difference between ADD and ADHD is that ADD patients exhibit symptoms of disorganization, forgetfulness, and difficulty focusing. People with ADHD, on the other hand, exhibit symptoms such as talking excessively, having difficulties waiting their time and interrupting others.

ADHD is thought of as a childhood condition. However, a lifelong neurological (brain-based) disorder can affect people differently. Changes in the structure and neurochemistry of the brain cause the symptoms of ADHD. There is no cure for ADHD, but symptoms can be effectively managed using medication and behavior management strategies.

ADD can be broken down into two main groups: inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive. There are three different kinds of ADD within those two groups: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Not everyone with attention deficit disorder (ADD) experiences the same symptoms. This condition is lifelong for many adults, even though its symptoms may change.

Comparison Table Between ADD and ADHD

What is ADD?

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is the official name for a neurological illness characterized by various symptoms, including poor attention, poor impulse control, and hyperactivity.

Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention in class, are easily distracted, and find it challenging to sit still or be patient. They might struggle listening to parents or siblings at home, following instructions, or playing quietly. They may also have problems with their social skills.

As children grow older, their symptoms can become less marked, but they may continue to have time management, planning, organization, and impulsivity problems.

While most children with ADHD will continue to have the condition into adulthood, not everyone diagnosed as a child will continue to meet the diagnostic criteria in adulthood. Studies show that around 60 percent of children with ADHD continue to experience persistent symptoms in adulthood, and between 30 and 50 percent meet the full diagnostic criteria for ADHD as adults.

In adults, ADHD is characterized by a combination of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, although these symptoms may differ between individuals and change over time as a person matures.

A diagnosis of ADHD involves a process that looks at physical and mental health and behavior, development, and academic performance. It also considers how many symptoms the child has, how severe they are, and how long they have lasted.

Some of the symptoms of ADHD can appear similar to other conditions, so children must be correctly assessed before being diagnosed with the disorder.

What is ADHD?

The inattentive type of ADD is prevalent in children and women and is commonly misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression. This subtype is characterized by a lack of attention to the surrounding environment, perceived only superficially. Children with this diagnosis are called “daydreamers.”

It’s a common misconception that all people with ADD are hyperactive, but many are not. Another myth is that ADD is a childhood disorder that should fade away as a child grows into adulthood. But it doesn’t. It’s a lifelong disorder, though symptoms may change over time.

The following are some of the more common symptoms of adult ADD:

Inattention. This includes difficulty paying attention to details, trouble sustaining focus, disorganization, and frequent distraction.

Hyperactivity and impulsivity. People with these symptoms feel restless, have trouble sitting still for long periods, and may be impulsive or impatient. They tend to act without thinking about what the result will be.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and cause significant impairment in a person’s life. It is important to remember that people with ADHD do not choose to behave this way but require treatment to live more productive lives and control their symptoms as much as possible.

Main Differences Between ADD and ADHD 

1. An imbalance of brain neurotransmitters causes ADD, whereas various factors, including genetics, brain injury, toxins, and childhood abuse/neglect, cause ADHD.
2. For ADD, there are no subtypes; however, for ADHD, there are three types: impulsive ADHD, inattentive ADHD, and a combination of the two.
3. The entire name for ADD is Attention Deficit Disorder, but the official name for ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
4. Not paying attention, difficulty staying organized, and a short attention span are all symptoms of ADD. Excessive activity, poorly planned activities, and frustration tolerance are all symptoms of ADHD.
5. ADHD can be treated with therapy, medication, or a combination. Techniques like behavior modification, counseling, and mindfulness, on the other hand, may assist in reducing the symptoms of ADD.

Conclusion

The main difference between ADD and ADHD is that ADD lacks the symptoms of hyperactivity. Because people with ADD don’t have the physical restlessness associated with ADHD, their symptoms are overlooked or misdiagnosed.

One of the most common signs of attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD) is constant mental activity. People diagnosed with ADD/ADHD may find relaxing and turning off their brains hard. Their mind constantly races rapidly, which can be distracting, exhausting, and stressful.

References

1. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1469-7610.1995.tb02320.x
2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=bv689EeeM0gC&oi=fnd&pg=PA93&dq=Difference+Between+ADD+and+ADHD+&ots=d4wrJZ_ARx&sig=A_hlNWpRud6B0QU0Yl830_oyK9s