When you look at the last couple of years many different terms for infants, adolescents and adults with ADHD have been introduced. They were mainly influenced by American descriptions of the classification system DSM-IV:

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is the term utilized in the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or even without hyperactivity is the older term from the DSM-IIIR. So in a select number older literature you will find this term as a synonym for ADHD.

The difference between ADD and ADHD, in short, is basically nothing. However, I'm sure you desire to get an even more detailed explanation. This will be elaborated further.

Again, the new Diagnostic criteria is ADHD but there is still some referral to ADD. So no need to be confused. They are now all referred to as ADHD even if there is no hyperactivity for that particular patient.

While the differences are not substantial, there are different varieties of ADHD just as there are different varieties of cancer.

A select number professionals however use the term "ADD" although it is the equivalent as if they used the term "ADHD." To sum it up, ADD technically is ADHD and vice versa.

There are 2 main categories of ADHD: Inattentive and Hyperactive. Both are considered ADHD. If someone is diagnosed with ADD it's the equivalent of "ADHD: Predominately Inattentive." Predominately inattentive means that the hyper-active elements of ADHD aren't as relevant, however not entirely excluded with that individual.

The Inattention Symptoms of ADHD

An individual with ADHD will do any or even all of these things that display a lack of attention chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:

* Loses things

* Seems not to listen

* Has difficulty keeping attention on something

* Avoids tasks requiring focus for any sustained amount of time

* Gets simply distracted

* Is incredibly un-organized

* Has problems following instructions

* Short-term forgetfulness

* Makes careless mistakes

The HyperActive Symptoms of ADHD

A individual with ADHD can do any or even all of these things that display Hyperactivity, chronically for more than 6 months consecutively:

* Interrupts constantly

* Talks too much

* Can't stay still or even fidgets

* Has problems with sitting quietly and doing activities

* Difficulty waiting in line or even taking turns

* Incredibly impatient

* Runs around excessively

This should clear up the different between ADHD and ADD. The terms are now the same, except using ADHD now there are inattention and hyperactive terms used or not used to describe ADHD patients.
About the Author

Copyright 2005 Fern Kuhn, RN Specializing in Diabetes

http://www.diabetestestingcenter.com http://www.attentiondeficitdisordercenter.com http://www.anxietydisordernews.info

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to ADHD... ADHD and the College Student Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder can, in a percentage of children, continue into adulthood. Yet the ADHD diagnosis does not mean that the child cannot go to college. All throughout his or her education, the ADHD child has learn strategies for learning and behavior that can also be effective in college. Plus, services for the ADHD individual do not end at high school graduation. Section 504 issued by the Office of Civil Rights requires that all college institutions receiving federal funding accommodate students with disabilities, including ADHD. If ADHD can be demonstrated to interfere with the student's learning disabilities, then the ADHD affected college student is eligible for educational assistance including tutoring and even extended or distraction free accommodation for testing. There are even scholarships available for students with ADHD. Many of the scholarships are mainly posted as those open for students with disabilities, but ADHD can be considered a disability...

ADHD, Attention Deficit Disorder News

ADHD medicine shortage frustrating patients, parents Trish Luberda makes her living as an education consultant and advocate for people with special needs. But those credentials have been of little use in a crisis closer to home, as she has tried desperately to get her hands on the medication that two of her daughters, ages 11 and 17, need to manage their attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD: Is Stigma Back in Style? With the latest ADHD controversy, it seems as if we've regressed to an era when all mental health problems were blamed on Mom Anesthesia in Early Childhood May Be Linked to ADHD THURSDAY, Feb. 2 (HealthDay News) -- Children who have more than one surgery with general anesthesia by their second birthday might be at higher risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a new study suggests. General anesthesia in infancy linked to higher risk of ADHD Infants who undergo surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia in their first two years of life may be at increased risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as they grow older.