What is ADD and how is it different from ADHD?

Answer 1

ADHD has been named differently over time. In the early 1970s, it was known as hyperkinesis (from the Latin word for "superactive"). In the 1980s, it was called Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD. The term ADD (without the symptom of hyperactivity in the title) was used because hyperactivity is often, but not always, found with the disorder. Children who have the disorder without hyperactivity still struggle with impulsivity and inattention, but have more normal activity levels. However, since most people with ADHD have the symptom of hyperactivity, in 1987 the official name changed to and remains ADHD. There are varying types of ADHD. Children with ADD/ADHD can have difficulties at home, at school, and in relationships with friends and other children their age. ADD/ADHD has also been shown to have long-term adverse effects on school performance, career or job success, and social-emotional development. Because children with ADD/ADHD are not able to sit still and pay attention in school, they may have disciplinary problems, and they can be viewed as troublemakers by teachers and other students. They experience peer rejection and show a broad range of disruptive behaviors. Their academic and social problems can have far-reaching and long-term effects. These children have higher injury rates. As they grow older, children with untreated ADD/ADHD, in combination with conduct disorders, are at risk for drug abuse, antisocial behavior, and injuries of all sorts. Up to 70% of children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will continue to have symptoms into adulthood. [The ADD information above is based on source material from the National Institute on Mental Health entitled "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Questions and Answers," published in March 2000.]

Answer 2

ADD is when someone can't focus on something for a long period of time. Autism comes in many forms but mostly means someone has troubles connecting emotionally and socially with others. There are many more qualifications for Autism, though--not just trouble connecting.

Answer 3

ADD is a depreciated term for attention-deficit disorder. More appropriately, ADHD is used meaning attention-deficit hyperactivity-disorder. There are three subtypes of ADHD: predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive, or a combination.

Answer 4

ADD and ADHD are the same disorder. ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is a depreciated term previously referring to ADHD without the hyperactive component. It is now known as ADHD predominately inattentive.

The same medications are used to treat ADD and ADHD.

Answer 5

The primary difference between ADD and ADHD is that with ADHD you have the added component of hyper-activity, which may require medication. Note that I said "may." Do not rush to medicate a child for ADHD and especially not for ADD. A generation ago it was dyslexia that was used to account for children who were not performing up to "potential." The conservative course of behavior modification, and even perhaps cognitive therapy, depending on the child's age, is the first place to look for an answer. There is no magic "pill" that will cure anywhere near as well as time. Many of these so-called problems clear up on their own at or about the onset of puberty. If the child is on medication, you will discover that it is very difficult to get him off again, because of resistance from both the child (who by now identifies himself as "sick" and "different") and the doctor, who may show reluctance to interfere with something that is "working." Hope this helps. Good luck, Love and Light, CB

What was formerly known as ADD is now known as ADHD Inattentive Type - basically ADD was superseded by the more expansive ADHD, encompassing hyperactivity. Within ADHD the inattentive subtype does not suffer from hyperactivity, and applies to the "space cadet"/daydreamer/forgetful types, that were previously the poster children for ADD.

Answer: This is a good question. Some kids have a trouble paying attention at school and this might be caused by ADD (or Attention-Deficit Disorder) while other kids have trouble paying attention and act hyper and this might be caused by ADHD (or Attention-Defecit-Hyperactivity Disorder). The only difference is the hyper part.

Answer 6

ADHD is a common condition that effects children and adolescents, while ADD is more common in adults.

Answer 7

ADHD is associated with hyperactivity. ADD is only associated with attention deficit.

Answer 8

ADHD is ADD but with Hyper added.