What is the Difference between ADD and ADHD?
Written by:
Martin Winkler
First version: 22 Jul 2008.
Latest revision: 22 Jul 2008.
Question:
What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?
Answer:
During the last few years many different terms for children, adolescents and adults with ADHD have been introduced. They were mainly influenced by American descriptions of the classification system DSM-IV:
-
ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
is the term used in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria.
-
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or without hyperactivity
is the older term from the DSM-IIIR.
Thus in some older literature you will find this term as a synonym for ADHD.
Thomas Brown describes common symptoms of ADD (inattentive type):
-
Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
-
Often difficulty following through on instructions from others
-
Difficulty sustaining attention
-
Often does not seem to listen to what is being said
-
Tendency to lose things necessary for tasks or activities
-
Difficulty organizing goal-directed activities
-
Often shifts from one uncompleted activity to another
Some research shows that children with hyperactive-impulsive symptoms tend to have more behavioural problems and conduct disorder, while children with the inattentive type (ADD) have a higher risk of comorbid depression or anxiety disorders.
Children with several symptoms of both the inattentive and the hyperactive type are diagnosed as "combined type" ADHD.
More Information
Sources, references