Difference Between ADD and ADHD

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a neurological condition that is characterized by a constant and continual pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity in children.

To have ADHD, these symptoms must occur frequently or severely for at least six months and must have been present before the age of 7. ADHD also affects adults. It is estimated that approximately one-third of children with ADHD continue to have significant problems with its symptoms as adults, affecting their lives, jobs and social relationships.

This disorder is connected in part to the brain's chemistry and anatomy. It is a developmental and behavioral disorder that usually persists throughout a person's lifetime, beginning during childhood and continuing into adulthood. Presently it is estimated that between 4%- 6% of the U.S. population suffers from ADHD.

Common Features of ADHD

Some common features of ADHD include:

• Distractibility (poor attention span)
• Impulsivity (impaired impulse control)
• Hyperactivity (excessive activity and/or restlessness)

It is important to remember that the nature and severity of ADHD varies from person to person. Nearly one-third of people with ADHD do not exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity.

Difference Between ADD & ADHD

The main difference between ADD and ADHD is of terminology. ADD which stands for Attention Deficit Disorder is used by many as a kind of generic term for all types of ADHD.

This term has gained popularity among the general public and is commonly used among professionals as well. ADD was the name given to ADHD in 1980 by the American Psychiatric Association, which later changed it to its current ‘official and clinical’ term of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in 1994. This name change occurred as a result of scientific advances and careful clinical trials in this field.

Researchers now support the position that ADHD is not a specific disorder with different variations.

It is divided into three subtypes, based upon the symptoms of inattentiveness/distractibility, impulsivity and hyperactivity:

• Combined Type
• Predominantly Inattentive Type
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

So in the end, whether it is called ADD or ADHD it is basically referring to the same thing.

Symptoms

According to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the symptoms of ADHD fall into three categories:

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity/Impulsivity
• A combination of the two, Inattention Hyperactivity/Impulsivity.

The symptoms of ADHD are different in childhood and adulthood and vary from mild to severe.

Children With ADHD often Exhibit Symptoms of:

• Restlessness and impulsivity
• Tendencies to daydream
• Being easily distracted
• Are unable to concentrate for long periods
• Are slow to complete tasks

Adults with ADHD Have Less Obvious Symptoms:

• Inattentiveness, impulsivity or hyperactivity
• Impairment in at least two of the three areas -work, home life and social interaction
• A history of childhood symptoms

Some other Common Symptoms of ADHD Include:

• Lack of attention to details
• Careless mistakes
• Difficulty sustaining or maintaining attention
• Failing to follow instructions carefully and completely
• Not listening when spoken to directly
• Difficulty organizing tasks
• Losing or forgetting important things
• Fidgeting with hands or feet or squirming
• Running or climbing excessively
• Talking excessively
• Impatience such as blurting out answers before hearing the whole question
• Difficulty awaiting turn
• Running and climbing in inappropriate situations or wanders
• Exhibiting disruptive behavior
• Interrupting others
• Sleeping problems

These symptoms typically begin by the age of 3 and can cause people with ADHD to become social outcasts or loners, who often show no regard for their own safety. Their behavior is not modified by reward or punishment and they may have learning difficulties.

Causes

The exact cause of ADHD is not known, however experts can now prove that there are obvious changes in the brains of people with this condition. A lot of research still needs to be conducted to find out what causes this disorder.

It is important to note that ADHD is not caused by poor parenting, home or school situations, poor teachers, too much TV, food allergies or excess sugar. Scientists believe that ADHD is likely caused by certain biological factors which influence neurotransmitter activity in certain parts of the brain and which have a strong genetic basis.

Prevention

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a complex problem, which cannot be prevented once symptoms start showing. However, with a combination of medication (if and when necessary), therapy and counseling, most children and adults with ADHD can lead relatively normal lives.

Treatments

There are several types of treatments available to help control the symptoms of ADHD. They include:

• Stimulant medications (or psychostimulants) – These drugs have been used for many years now to treat both severe and moderate symptoms of ADHD in both adults and children over 6 years.
• Stimulants used to treat ADHD include Adderall, Concerta, Cyclert, Dexedrine, Focalin, Metadate CD, Metadate ER, Methylin, Ritalin and Ritalin LA. Stimulants are dangerous as they are highly addictive.
• Nonstimulant Therapy – In 2003, the FDA approved Strattera as the first nonstimulant treatment for ADHD. Unlike the above mentioned stimulants, Strattera it is not a controlled substance and people are less likely to abuse or become dependant on it.
• Antidepressant Therapy – This treatment is used in children and adults who suffer from significant depression along with ADHD.
• Other Drugs – Catapres and guanfacine, normally taken to treat high blood pressure, have been shown to be of some benefit for people with ADHD when used alone or in combination with stimulant drugs.

Behavior Management is perhaps the most essential and beneficial way to treat symptoms of ADHD. Most experts agree that combining medication with extended behavior management techniques is the most effective way to help both adults and children with ADHD.