Add/adhd - ADD / ADHD Message Board

Inima · 06-27-2005, 06:09 PM

What are the differences b/w ADD and ADHD?

Thank you

index.html · 06-28-2005, 07:55 AM

Individuals with ADHD have Hyperactivity as part of their disorder. ADD is attention deficit without the hyperactivity.

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 06-28-2005, 12:50 PM

In ADHD, the person experiences hyperactivity, which is usually the noticable symptom. In ADD, the person is more of a daydreamer: they have trouble paying attention, but they can sit still. Both of the disorders involve trouble concentrating and completing tasks. ADHD is more of a childhood disorder, and I haven't heard of any adults having it (quite possibly because many instances of ADHD in children are early signs of bipolar disorder), but adult ADD is fairly common.
-GatsbyLuvr1920-

malibubarbie999 · 06-28-2005, 04:32 PM

Actually, there is no such thing as "ADD." Psychiatrists make diagnoses based on the DSM-IV (psychiatric reference manual) which states that "ADD" is actually an incorrect term (although we all hear it). The correct term is ADHD. There are 3 types of ADHD:

1. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type
2. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantely Inattentive Type
3. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantely Hyperactive-Impulsive Type

Personally, I've struggled with ADHD-Combined Type my whole life (I'm 22). Adults can be hyperactive just like kids can, they just express it in a different way. ie: A child may run around a room, while an adult may fidget excessively.

Sylvia224 · 06-28-2005, 04:48 PM

I also definitely have ADHD and not just ADD. I agree, in adults it is more contained than in children, but is characterized by extreme figeting and inability to sit still - lots of agitation when forced to stay in one place. Ironically, it's exhausting.