What is the Difference between ADD and ADHD?
Written by: Martin Winkler
First version: 22 Jul 2008.
Latest revision:
22 Jul 2008.
Abstract:
ADHD is the term used in the current DSM-IV-TR diagnostic criteria. ADD with or without hyperactivity is the older term from the DSM-IIIR.
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):
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Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
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Often difficulty following through on instructions from others
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Difficulty sustaining attention
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Often does not seem to listen to what is being said
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Tendency to lose things necessary for tasks or activities
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Difficulty organizing goal-directed activities
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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.
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