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What is the Difference between ADD and ADHD?

Written by: Martin Winkler
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 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: Thomas Brown describes common symptoms of ADD (inattentive type):

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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