ADD vs. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Aren't they the same thing?

You may be wondering what the distinction is between ADHD vs. ADD. Well the short solution is that they both refer to the same condition. ADD or Attention deficit dysfunction is the term that was used in the past to describe someone with an incapability to be attentive and other associated issues. Some people may use the term ADD to refer to a person who suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity dysfunction, but without the hyperactivity or impulsive symptoms. There are many methods of ADHD today including but natural and medications.

Today the correct terminology that is used is ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity dysfunction. This is the accepted term, which is used by healthcare professionals around the world. This broad term does not go deep enough though to describe the type of ADHD that a specific person may suffer from.

Three Broad kinds of ADHD
Inattentive type ADHD
Hyperactive / Impulsive type ADHD
Combined type ADHD

These three main kinds of ADHD have a variety of different symptoms. It is vital to note that a person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity dysfunction may not necessarily display all of the symptoms for that particular type of the dysfunction.

Inattentive type ADHD

When a person has this type of Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder their symptoms generally relate mainly to inattention. This means that he or she will easily become distracted, be quite forgetful and find it difficult to pay close attention to specific particulars. It is in this type of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity dysfunction patient that the label ADD may be used, but to be correct in modern healthcare terminology, ADHD should be used instead. Other symptoms may also include sluggishness, difficulty in processing data, a tendency to daydream a lot, may be withdrawn or shy and may find it difficult to decipher between data that is applicable or irapplicable in any specific circumstance. Because the symptoms of this type of ADHD are not as overt as folks with the impulsive and hyperactive symptoms, these sufferers are ignored many times.

Hyperactive / Impulsive type ADHD

Due to the nature and symptoms of this type of ADHD folks with this dysfunction are often more quickly diagnosed than folks with inattentive type ADHD. The predominant symptoms include being impulsive and hyperactive in behavior.

Also includes symptoms such as:

• talking or acting without first thinking it through.
• Interrupting when others are talking,
• Trouble staying seated,
• Being overly loud,

Combined type ADHD

Folks with the combined type of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity dysfunction display symptoms of both the Inattentive and Hyperactive-Impulsive kinds of the dysfunction.

Much research has gone into the treatment of all three main kinds of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity dysfunction, especially in young children. There are two main treatments that are commonly used and these are medications and alternative treatments.

The family members physician may prescribe medications and these may both be short or long acting. It is vital to keep in mind that there may be side effects with using these ADHD drugs and if these occur then it is vital to go back to your physician and let them know.

Alternative ADHD treatments include behavioral treatment, family members group psychotreatment and also special training tutoring. Each of these alternative techniques has had success with many patients.

In summary, it is vital to obtain a diagnosis if you suspect that one of your young children or someone you know is suffering from ADHD. Treatments today are able to improve the life of the individual with the dysfunction as well as that of the family members.

Drake Institute ADHD Treatment