Does your child exhibit hyperactive behavior? Does your child face difficulty in paying attention? If yes, then there is a greater possibility that your child has Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Read this article if you want to know more about the difference between ADD and ADHD.
What Is ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?
ADD stands for Attention deficit disorder. Both ADD and ADHD are the same names for a mental disorder, but ADD is an outdated term as compared to ADHD. Nowadays, ADD is also referred to as the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD.
ADD was only used until 1987, and after that, the term ADHD gained popularity. In previous times, children were diagnosed with ADD instead of ADHD. However, nowadays, experts only diagnose children with three different types of ADHD based on their symptoms.
Individuals suffering from ADD face difficulty in paying attention and get easily distracted. Likewise, they also experience various memory issues. However, ADD does not comprise any hyperactivity symptoms.
What is ADHD?
ADHD stands for Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is one of the most common mental health issues that is diagnosed in children. Children who have ADHD also face issues in paying attention to their classroom. Moreover, they also face difficulty in learning and remembering important things. Furthermore, they also exhibit hyperactive behavior as compared to other children.
Likewise, their rate of impulsivity is also greater, which makes it difficult for them to live an everyday life. Moreover, they fail to develop relationships with their loved ones. Instead of engaging in any social community or interacting with their family or friends, they prefer to stay alone. Moreover, if their symptoms are left untreated, they interfere with their vital life activities at school and home.
ADD vs. ADHD: Major Differences
Previously, experts used the term ADD for a psychological disorder, but now, this name is replaced with ADHD. Although both terms are entirely different, there is still a greater number of people who use these terms interchangeably. However, currently, the official term that is used to define mental disorders is ADHD. Now, all types are diagnosed with this name regardless of whether the symptoms of hyperactivity are present or not.
Why is ADD not used anymore?
Healthcare professionals provide the treatment by considering the guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), in 1987. Specific revisions were made in DSM III, and the name ADD was altered to ADHD. Experts decided to rename the mental condition when they found that there were no differences between hyperactive and nonhyperactive ADD.
What are the common symptoms of ADHD?
Individuals who have ADHD usually exhibit the following common symptoms:
Inattention
Concentration issues, lack of organization, continuous daydreaming, difficulty staying on a task with passion, and elevated rate of distractions.
Hyperactivity
Extra mobility, talkative behavior, extremely high energy levels, interruptive behavior, restlessness.
Impulsivity
Making immediate decisions without thinking for a moment and the abrupt responses in the desire for rewards.
What are the causes of ADHD?
Different trigger factors can cause the development of ADHD in individuals, such as:
Genetic factors
Genes are the main biological or hereditary factors that can cause the onset of symptoms of different common mental health issues, including ADHD. Other studies have reported the fact that genes responsible for ADHD development also transfer from parents to offspring, so it can be concluded that ADHD tends to run in families.
If any of the parents are suffering from ADHD, then there is a greater probability of the child who has ADHD. Likewise, the presence of genes responsible for ADHD in siblings can also be considered as one of the major trigger factors. Moreover, experts also report that there is not a single gene involved in ADHD, as there are multiple genetic factors responsible for the development of this disorder.
Changes in the Brain
Different brain scans of ADHD patients have reported major differences in the brain structure and function of ADHD individuals compared to normal ones. Some areas of the brain become smaller or stop effectively functioning in individuals who have ADHD. Likewise, the size of some brain regions increases in some individuals.
Changes in the Neurotransmitters
ADHD is also caused by different changes in the level of neurotransmitters in the brain, which affects not only the neuronal activity but also the various areas of the brain.
Environmental stress factors
Other than intrinsic factors, several extrinsic factors cause the development of ADHD in individuals. An individual’s infection, excessive intake of alcohol or drugs, or any environmental toxin such as lead can cause the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in individuals.
How is ADHD different in males and females?
Although ADHD is not restricted to any gender, most of the females remain undiagnosed with the symptoms of ADHD. As most of the symptoms of ADHD in females resemble the symptoms of anxiety or depression, they are recognized as mood disorders. Most of the researchers think that females predominantly suffer from inattentive type ADHD as compared to other types. Males, on the other hand, exhibit more hyperactive and impulsive behavior. However, females can better develop coping strategies for ADHD as compared to males.
How is ADHD diagnosed?
As children are mostly diagnosed with ADHD, parents can also evaluate the mental condition by getting familiar with the symptoms of ADHD. However, only mental health professionals can better diagnose ADHD symptoms. They perform psychological evaluations in which they ask different questions of the children. They do not only analyze children’s symptoms and previous medical history. Moreover, they also compare the behavior of affected children with others. Other than evaluating their mental state, they also get feedback from their teachers, family, or friends. Then, based on the data collected after evaluation, they develop the ADHD treatment plan for children.
How Do I know if I’m ADD or ADHD?
You cannot be diagnosed with ADD, as this term has almost vanished now. Now, you can only diagnose with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Despite the currently advanced knowledge, there are still some people who link the inattentive presentation of ADHD with ADD. Moreover, there are not any physical or medical tests to confirm the presence of ADHD. Only professionals can better evaluate and identify the existence of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by analyzing the symptoms.
What are the main types of ADHD?
There are three different types of ADHD, which are as follows:
ADHD Inattentive
Children with inattention and ADHD usually have attention issues. They are not hyperactive and have reduced energy levels. Therefore, they do not take an interest in any activity and feel bored. They only prefer to do tasks that require little or no energy. However, while doing any activity, they make careless mistakes. Moreover, they like to stay alone and avoid making new friends. They remain in their imaginary world instead of thinking about any productive activity.
In addition, most of their daily life problems are due to their lack of ability to pay attention to important details. They only stick to one activity and also avoid doing homework. Likewise, their behavior in class is also weird: They seem to be listening, but in reality, they are lost. Furthermore, they also exhibit disorganized behavior. Due to their sense of forgetfulness, they usually lose important things.
ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
This type of ADHD is more common and evident in younger children as compared to other types. Children suffering from this type of ADHD exhibit more hyperactive behavior. They feel that they have extra energy and they can do anything. They can not sit in one place and keep moving, which presents more problems for them. Moreover, they think they have superpowers and can do anything or achieve any goal.
Moreover, they also talk excessively. They do not show patience during conversations and wait for their turn. Instead, they interrupt the discussion and give blunt answers that make their perception weird in front of others. Moreover, if they engage themselves in any activity, they do not play by sitting quietly.
ADHD combined type
As the name indicates, children with combined type ADHD exhibit the symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. Most of the experts think that the combined type of ADHD is more common in adults as compared to the other two types.
However, the existence of this type of ADHD is only confirmed by the presence of approximately five to six symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive ADHD. Moreover, the number of symptoms of both types is also equal.
ADHD Symptoms in Children vs Adults
ADHD can affect individuals of all ages. However, children are mostly diagnosed with the symptoms of ADHD. If the symptoms in childhood stages are not treated on time, they persist to teenage or adulthood and manifest differently in each individual. In some individuals, symptoms improve, while in some, they exhibit multiple changes with time. Among children and adults, there are some significant differences in the symptoms of ADHD, which are as follows:
ADHD in Children
Most evident hyperactive and impulsive behavior
- Constantly moving or running
- Disruptive behavior
- Conversation issues
ADHD in Adults
Inattentiveness
- Fidgeting behavior
- Recklessness
- Excessive talking
Read More About: ADHD Test For Kids And Teens
ADHD vs Autism in Children
Both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are common mental conditions, but still, there are some significant differences, which are as follows:
ADHD
- Inattention & Hyperactivity
- Repetitive behavior
- Increased social engagement
Autism
- Impulsivity
- Speech issues
- Difficulty with social communication
ADHD vs Autism in Adults
Just like children, adults also suffer from the symptoms of both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. Adults who have ADHD also face difficulty in remembering the dates of appointments and meeting deadlines. Likewise, they also face difficulty in strengthening their relationships. However, adults dealing with autism do not feel comfortable in social settings and, therefore, prefer to stay alone and quiet. They feel so shy that they even hesitate to make eye contact with others. This makes it difficult for them to do any new activity as they feel comfortable sticking to the same daily activities. Moreover, they also exhibit empathetic behavior.
Is ADD classified as autism?
No. ADD or ADHD is not considered as autism as both are different neurological or psychological conditions. However, some symptoms overlap and result in the misdiagnosis of the symptoms. Moreover, other studies have also reported the association between the two disorders. If the person has any of these mental conditions, there is a greater probability of being affected by the other condition.
What are the treatment options for ADHD?
ADHD in children can be effectively treated with the help of psychiatric medications, psychotherapy, and counselling. Some experts prefer the intake of psychiatric medications only, while some recommend the combined use of both drugs and psychotherapy. However, experts first analyze the severity or extent of ADHD symptoms and then decide on a therapeutic plan. However, always remember that ADHD symptoms can only be managed with treatment as they do not provide a cure.
Psychiatric medications
Psychiatric medications are utilized to manage the symptoms of ADHD better. Experts recommend different psychiatric medications for reducing ADHD symptoms, which include:
Stimulant medications
Stimulants are the most common psychiatric medications used to treat ADHD. They function by increasing the level of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine and epinephrine. If these neurotransmitters are released in controlled amounts, they improve the ability to focus or concentrate.
Nonstimulants
Nonstimulants are also recommended to treat ADHD, but they are only recommended when the stimulants do not provide the desired results or stimulants are causing any side effects. Likewise, some experts also recommend the combined dosage of both stimulants and non-stimulants to get better and rapid results.
Adderall effects on ADHD vs non ADHD
Adderall is a medication that is used to improve focus and concentration. Moreover, it is also used to decrease impulsive reactions. This medication is a combined dosage of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which specifically work together and increase the level of specific neurotransmitters in the brain. Individuals who have ADHD should only take Adderall after the expert’s recommendation, as their inappropriate usage can cause multiple side effects. This medication only works for ADHD patients; if non-ADHD patients take this, then they can experience various issues. They elevate the dopamine levels in the brain which in turn cause the symptoms of excessive energy levels, euphoria as well as some other side effects.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most commonly recommended talk therapy to treat cognitive impairments. Children battling with ADHD symptoms always find their brains remain entangled in negative or useless thoughts. Moreover, they cannot manage their life routine due to their lack of focus or attention. However, all such problems can be effectively resolved with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy. The primary role of cognitive behavioral experts is to guide the affected individuals to find the triggers and reframe their negative thought patterns. They not only guide the children but also their parents on how they can change their negative thought patterns into positive ones. Children learn different strategies for how they can stick to their essential tasks by avoiding all distractions.
Dialectical behavioral therapy
This therapy is specifically used to treat the emotional dysregulation that is most common in ADHD individuals. Children who have ADHD are unable to regulate their emotions and face difficulty in handling their relationships. Therefore, during the sessions of dialectical behavioral therapy, experts teach the individuals different skills to stabilize their emotions and better manage life activities.
Neurofeedback for ADHD
Another treatment is to improve focusing ability and reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity. This involves different brain exercises that train the brain to emit the specific brain waves that help the individuals pay more attention and focus.
Parental training for ADHD
As parents are the primary caretakers of children, they have a more significant influence on their behavior. They should be familiar with each aspect of ADHD so they can assist their children in overcoming the symptoms of ADHD. If they face difficulty, then they can communicate with the ADHD experts directly; they guide the parents on how they can better interact with their child. Moreover, parents also learn to observe their children’s behavior and then employ different strategies to reinforce their behavior positively. Then, they teach their children different skills to manage their tasks on time, remember important things, and easily organize them.
What are the preventive strategies for ADHD?
With some positive alterations in the lifestyle, ADHD symptoms can be managed or prevented. Some common preventive strategies are as follows:
Regular workout
Exercise daily is extremely effective in protecting the brain from different mental health issues. During a physical workout or any strenuous activity, the blood supply to the brain increases, which in turn causes the release of some significant neurotransmitters that help improve focus or attention and other common ADHD issues.
Sleep-wake cycle
Your healthy sleep-wake cycle is also linked to your sound mental health. Make a habit of waking up early and going to bed on time, as this routine provides the brain with effective time to get relaxed and remain active.
Absolute diet
The diet also plays a vital role in preventing the symptoms of ADHD. If you are taking a healthy and balanced diet, then you are less likely to suffer from ADHD. Those individuals who consume more processed foods exhibit more hyperactive and impulsive behavior than those who rely on fresh, organic foods.
Behavioral strategies
As a parent of an ADHD child, you should develop some strategies to help your child overcome ADHD. Children grappling with ADHD symptoms are criticized for their behavior and mistakes. Therefore, instead of scolding them, you should show them supportive behavior and encourage them to learn from their mistakes. Likewise, if they show good behavior, praise them by giving them certain rewards.
Likewise, if your child is facing difficulty in doing homework or any other activity, then help him complete his tasks. Moreover, also teaches them different skills or strategies to develop healthy bonds with their loved ones so they can participate in each social community and learn more.
ADHD Test
ADHD test is a screening test that is used to determine if a person has ADHD or not. Different questions are asked of the suspected individuals, and based on the answers, experts confirm the presence of ADHD symptoms.
The following questions are utilized for effective evaluation of the disorder:
- Do you face issues paying attention in the classroom or any official meeting?
- How often do you forget things?
- Do you face difficulty in remembering important things?
- How often do you exhibit fidgeting behavior?
- How many times, do you feel extra energy in doing different activities?
- Do you prefer isolation or engaging in any social activity?
Suppose the individual is having any of these symptoms. In that case, it indicates the presence of ADHD, and the person should immediately contact the mental health professional to get the finest ADHD treatment.
How does the Brainpower Wellness Institute help in the treatment of ADHD?
Whenever you suspect that you or your loved one is suffering from ADHD, then seek professional help. Brainpower Wellness Institute is one of the leading mental health platforms that provides the best treatment for ADHD. Our mental health experts have supreme knowledge regarding the ADHD treatment so you deal with the ADHD symptoms and experience the mental strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any difference between ADD and ADHD?
Yes. ADD is an old term, and now it is recognized as ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
Does ADHD only occur in children?
No. If ADHD symptoms are left untreated, then it can persist to adulthood stages.
Is ADHD a disability?
Yes. ADHD is considered a disability according to the rules and regulations of ADDA if it interferes with the quality of life.
