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 Fungal Parasites There is new evidence that many kids diagnosed with ADHD may actually be suffering from an infestation of fungal parasites. ADHD is a very rapidly growing part of the health care industry. The symptoms are varied, including: irritability, hyperactivity and behavioral problems. Many kids are so affected that they require some pretty hefty drugs to control them. I spoke at a medical conference in Denver in 2004. One of the other speakers was a pharmacology researcher. He brought up a statistic that indicated that kids on Ritalin [one of the prevailing drugs for ADHD] tend to become addicted to methamphetamines. On the radio the other day, NPR was talking about giving these kids marijuana for the symptoms. What are we doing to our kids? This is a very serious national problem. According to the Psychology Department @ the University of Tennessee, kids with TRUE ADHD average about 5-7% of a normal classroom. However, somewhere around 50% of kids in school today are diagnosed and...

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