ADD is the term most commonly used to describe signs of distractibility, inattention, and poor working memory. ADHD refers to the additional symptoms of impulsivity and hyperactivity. Both are part of the diagnosis medically of ADHD. In this article, we will discuss the two distinct symptoms.
What Is ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?
ADD (attention deficit) is the name most commonly used to describe a neurologic disorder characterized by symptoms of disorientation, inattention, and poor working memory. ADD signs for adults are characterized by difficulty staying focused on school work, forgetting appointments, quickly losing track of time, and having difficulty with executive tasks. The patients who suffer from these issues could suffer from what doctors now call attention deficit disorder, primarily inattentive hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADD is an old term and is no longer a medical diagnosis, but it is still commonly used to describe specific symptoms that belong to the umbrella term of ADHD.
The Difference Between ADD and ADHD
A lot of people refer to both the words ADD and ADHD interchangeably. However, they’re not identical. ADD (attention deficit disorder) is a colloquial term for a specific type of ADHD – Predominantly Inattentive Type, also known as attention deficit disorder. To summarize:
- ADHD is a form of attention deficit disorder. ( ADHD) is a psychological or neurological disorder.
- In terms of technicality, Attention deficit disorder ( ADD) is not a medical condition anymore; however, “ADD” is often used to describe Predominantly inattentive Type ADHD and its associated symptoms.
- Since 1994 doctors have used the term ADHD to refer to both the hyperactive as well as inattentive types of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
- However, many teachers, parents, and adults still use”ADD. “ADD.”
Symptoms of ADD (Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD)
Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (formerly ADD) does not present in the same way as the other two types of ADHD, known as Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD and Combined Type ADHD.
Hallmark signs of ADD are:
- Poor working memory
- Inattention
- Distractibility
- Poor executive function
What Is ADHD?
ADHD is used to describe what physicians currently diagnose as Hyperactive Predominantly Type ADHD. It is believed that the ADHD manifestations of this diagnosis correspond more closely with the standard perception of attention deficit.
- An impulsive, squirmy person (usually an infant) )…
- In a state of high vitality…
- Who is unable to wait to get their turn.
Adults who suffer from hyperactive or impulsive ADHD might have…
- Talkative
- Fidgety
- Have nervous energy
What are the Symptom Differences Between ADD and ADHD?
People with ADD often lack the hyperactivity component, which is a prominent symptom of Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. Some may be thought of as daydreamers or appear disorganized and disorganized in class or at the workplace. They may also be susceptible to forgetfulness, losing things, and not following directions.
In comparison, those with Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD align more closely with the stereotypical understanding of attention deficit — a fidgeting, impulsive individual (usually a child) bursting with energy and struggling to wait their turn. People with this kind of ADHD are likely to display many behaviors and behavioral issues.
How is ADHD Diagnosed?
There isn’t one test to determine Predominantly Attention-Deficit type ADHD (formerly ADD). Because those with ADD typically aren’t disruptive in their school environment, They could be considered “shy” or “in a world of their own.”
To determine the cause, your doctor will evaluate whether ADHD symptoms have been observed over the past six months. They’ll also conduct a physical examination and examine your medical records to rule out other medical or mental health issues contributing to the symptoms.
When a doctor has a thorough understanding of the symptoms, they’ll be able to decide which kind of ADHD (if there is one) is the best diagnosis. Learn more about ADHD in our complete ADHD diagnosis guide.
A Closer Look at the 3 Types of ADHD
Symptoms of Primarily Inattentive ADHD (Formerly ADD)
People who claim to have ADD probably have signs of inattentive ADHD, like forgetfulness, lack of focus, organization, and listening abilities. Inattentive ADHD is often seen as the symptoms of a mood disorder in adults but is also viewed as apathy and disorganized behavior in children, specifically girls.
By the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – V (DSM-V) 6, these symptoms have to be evident to justify a diagnosis of ADHD Primarily Inattentive Type:
- Sometimes, we need to focus more carefully on small, minor details or commit errors that are not considered severe.
- Many times, a person has trouble focusing.
- It is often difficult to pay attention when is spoken to
- Usually, it only follows some instructions and can complete tasks.
- It is often difficult to organize the functions and activities.
- They typically avoid, do not like, or are hesitant to participate in work that requires constant mental energy.
- Many times, people lose items that are necessary to complete tasks or activities.
- Can be easily distracted
- It is often difficult to remember the everyday routine.
If you think you might have the condition known as Primarily Inattentive Type, ADHD, Take one of our self-tests listed below and discuss the results with a doctor.
Symptoms of Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
This sub-type includes all of the typical ADHD characteristics, such as A child (usually a boy) bouncing off the walls, interrupting class, and fidgeting a lot. In the real world, only a tiny proportion of adults and children have the symptoms of this kind of ADHD.
By the DSM-V DSM-V, six or more of these symptoms have to be present for a diagnosis.
- Fidgets with feet or hands or squirms in seat
- In classrooms, students are required to leave their seats or in other circumstances where sitting usually.
- Extremely climbs or runs when considered inappropriate or uncomfortable. Feelings of anxiety and restlessness among teenagers as well as adults
- Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
- Appears “on the go” or behaves like it’s “driven by a motor.”
- Talks excessively
- Blurts out the answer
- Has trouble waiting for their turn
- Interrupts others or interferes
Symptoms of Combined Type ADHD occur if you have six or more symptoms, each of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
How Does Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD Look Different from Inattentive ADHD (Formerly ADD) in Everyday Life?
1. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Careless Mistakes
A child with a lack of attention ADHD might be rushing through a test and miss questions he is familiar with the answers to or skipping entire sections in the rush of his. A mature adult might need more time to proofread documents or an email at work, which can cause more issues.
2. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Difficulty Sustaining Attention
A child with inattention ADHD might have difficulty staying focused during structured activities like sports or games or even tasks like cleaning up his room. Adults might need help to focus on tasks during long discussions or readings.
3. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Failure to Listen
Adults and children with inattention ADHD might appear disengaged when confronted in person, even though there might not be any obvious source of distraction. Sometimes, they need to follow instructions or complete chores, schoolwork, or tasks at work (e.g., they begin jobs but lose focus and get easily distracted).
4. Inattention ADHD The symptom is difficulty in following instructions
Many teens, children, and adults who suffer from inattention and ADHD struggle to keep up with instructions but fail to complete their chores, schoolwork, or perform other tasks in the workplace.
5. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Poor Organization
It can be challenging to organize for those who have inattentive ADHD, regardless of age. For example, a child may have trouble keeping her locker organized. At the same time, a teenager might struggle to keep the college application process straight, and ADHD adults may feel overwhelmed with work emails in the office. An inability to organize often is accompanied by messy work, inadequate time management, and a failure to keep deadlines.
6. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Avoidance of Difficult Tasks
Adults and adolescents who have inattention ADHD typically have difficulty working through projects that require constant concentration, such as lengthy homework assignments, rereading documents, and filling in forms.
7. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Chronically Losing Things
Sometimes, misplacing essential items, like eyeglasses, keys, cell phones, as well as school supplies, can be a sign of unintentional ADHD among adolescents, children, and adults.
8. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Easily Distracted
Children who are not attentive with ADHD can be distracted in class by distractions from outside, while adults might wander off into thoughts that are not related and lose concentration on the work in front of them.
9. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Forgetfulness
If it’s taking the garbage out, paying the bill, or even returning an email, unfocused ADHD often manifests as forgetfulness, mainly for adults and teens.
Do More Women Have Inattentive Type ADHD Than Have Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD?
ADHD isn’t gender-biased; however, it’s often undiagnosed for girls. More women and girls have Inattentive ADHD than have Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. Women and girls who suffer from intentional ADHD symptoms are frequently overlooked by hyperactive boys who display more stereotypical hyperactive ADHD behavior. Instead of recognizing the symptoms as ADHD, medical professionals often confuse them with mood disorders. If you suspect that you or your child may be suffering from ADHD symptoms, try the ADHD assessment for girls and women as well as girls and discuss your results with a doctor.
But, inattentive Type ADHD is not exclusive to girls. A lot of boys suffer from this type of ADHD, but their symptoms are often ignored or misdiagnosed because of gender stereotypes.
ATTitude Seems to Write Only About ADHD. Why Is That?
ADDitudeMag.com provides a variety of content on ADD or ADHD as the most official medical term used to define attention deficit disorder, regardless of whether or not a person is suffering from hyperactivity or symptoms. Since “ADD” is considered an untrue term for medical professionals and doctors, we employ”inattentive” to mean “inattentive ADHD” to describe the subtype that is not connected with an impulsive or hyperactive state. We use the term ADHD to broadly indicate both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive sub-types and “hyperactive/inattentive ADHD” when appropriate as well.