Understanding the difference between add and adhd are they the same
The difference between add and adhd is that add stands for Attention Deficit Disorder and adhd stands for Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Fundamentally they are one and the same except that there is the added component of hyperactivity in ADHD which is lacking in ADD. Aside from the added issue of hyperactivity there are a couple of other issues that come into play when determining whether a child, teenager, or adult is either ADD or ADHD.
Statistics that are backed up by extensive research has shown that more boys are diagnosed with ADHD than girls who are more likely to be diagnosed with ADD instead. Over the past number of years there have been a lot of different terms used to describe children, teens, and adults with ADHD and these are largely influenced by the American descriptions of the classification system DSM-IV.
What are the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)?
a) Easily distracted from tasks and activities by insignificant stimuli.
b) Difficulty following instructions and rules.
c) Inattentiveness and difficulty staying focused.
d) Tendency to lose or misplace items and tools necessary for completing tasks or activities.
e) Difficulty with planning and organizing.
f) Shifts between uncompleted activities.
The difference between add and adhd is that children with the latter have the added component of hyperactive or impulsive behavior and this accounts for more issues pertaining to both their behavior and their conduct. Children with ADD tend to run a higher risk of being depressed or suffering with anxiety disorders. Some children are diagnosed with a combined type ADHD and this means that they have a number of symptoms from the inattentive and hyperactive type.
What are the symptoms of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
ADHD is divided into three categories:
1. Inattention
This may not be apparent in the child until they reach school going age whereas in adults the symptoms associated with inattention can manifest either in the work environment or in social situations.
- Difficulty paying attention.
- Tendency to make careless errors and to produce work that is disorderly, untidy, and careless.
- Easily distracted
- Difficulty concentrating or focusing for a specific length of time.
- Problems with completing tasks or activities.
- Shifting between uncompleted tasks.
- Tendency to procrastinate.
- Difficulty being organized.
- Tendency to be forgetful.
- Talking a lot and rapidly as well as changing conversations or interrupting others.
2. Hyperactivity
Sometimes very young children manifest this symptom which almost always becomes noticeable before the child reaches school going age.
- The child will fidget a lot and have difficulty remaining still even when seated.
- The child will walk or run around at inappropriate times.
- The child will climb on things in inappropriate situations.
- Difficulty playing quietly whether alone or with others.
- Constantly on the go and moving around.
- Talking excessively.
3. Impulsivity
- Tendency to be impatient and unwilling to wait their turn.
- Tendency to interrupt others which can lead to innumerable problems both in the school environment and in the work environment.
- Will talk when it is not appropriate to do so.
- Clumsiness
- Difficulty determining between safe and unsafe behavior and activities.
When one breaks it down it is easier to see the difference between add and adhd however it is also important to remember that many of the abovementioned symptoms are also apparent in normal children who do not have the disorder. This is why a thorough assessment is necessary to determine whether a child has ADD or ADHD or not. Part of the assessment is to determine whether the child displays the symptoms for an ongoing period and whether they manifest in more than just one environment. In order for ADD or ADHD to be diagnosed the child will need to consistently display either some of or all of the symptoms mention in two or more settings and for longer than a six month period.
Once other possible causes for the symptoms have been ruled out the child is then diagnosed with ADD or ADHD and treatment is recommended.
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