People often use ADD and ADHD for similar diseases. Are they different names for the same disease? If these are different diseases, then what’s the difference between them? Fred, not. We will clear all your doubts. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological disease. There are two types of ADHD: hyperactive and inattentive. Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is the inattentive type of ADHD. We will share all the differences between these two diseases from diagnosis to treatment. 

This guide will enlighten you on all the differences between ADD and Adhd and clear all your doubts related to them. It’s very important to know which disease you are affected with and take medicines accordingly. Keep reading till the end to understand all the differences between these two diseases.          

Difference Between Add And Adhd: 

Adhd stands for Attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder. It is a neurological condition that affects self-control, attention, and the ability to stand still. Attention deficit disorder is a term used for a specific type of Adhd. 

ADD is no longer medically known because, since 1994, doctors started calling it ADHD. Doctors use ADHD for both inattentive and hypersensitive disorders. But still, there are a lot of people in society, including students, teachers, etc., who are using the word ADD. Let’s try to understand it in detail, starting from the symptoms of both diseases.     

Symptoms

We have divided the symptoms into two types. The first one is the ADD symptoms, which reflect the inattentive type, and the second one is the hyperactivity and impulsiveness type of Adhd. Let’s take a look at the symptoms of both in detail.   

Symptoms Of Add

Following are the symptoms of ADD;

• Forgetful.
• Difficulty in doing time-consuming tasks.
• Difficulty in following instructions.
• Difficulty in focusing.
• Easily getting distracted.
• Constantly changing activities
• Trouble in organizing tasks

Symptoms Of Adhd

These are the symptoms of impulsiveness and hypersensitive type of Adhd.

• Unable to keep quiet in calm environments
• Difficulty in concentration
• Being talkative
• Constant Movements
• Acting without thinking
• Constantly interrupting between conversations
• Can’t wait for your turn

Diagnosis

Like the difference, the diagnosis methods of ADD and ADHD are also different. Although contacting a health professional is the best choice for both diseases, the other diagnosis methods vary. Let’s understand these diagnosis methods in detail below.    

Add Diagnosis

As the name inattentive indicates, it is a disorder in which the patient will be inactive, slow, or show similar symptoms. If people under sixteen show at least six symptoms of inattentiveness, which we shared above, they may have to Add for at least six months. But for people older than sixteen, five symptoms for a half year are enough to diagnose ADD.   

Adhd Diagnosis

To diagnose Adhd, visit a specialist and then share your condition in detail with him. The doctor will then decide whether you are subject to this disease. The data is often collected from various sources like your teachers, friends, and family to understand and diagnose your condition. 

Neuropsychiatric Eeg-Based Assessment Aid

No test for Adhd will give you clear results of whether you are suffering from this disease or not, like blood tests, ECG, etc. However, neuropsychiatric eeg-based assessment aid is a behavioral test that is very helpful for understanding a patient’s condition. This test is used to understand the patient and diagnose Adhd.   

Treatments

The treatment methods of both inactive and hyperactive Adhd are also different from each other. These involve different types of medications, but one thing similar in both ADD and Adhd is the supportive environment for these patients. Let’s check out the treatments for both conditions in detail.  

Add Treatment

Four types of treatment methods are being used for the treatment of Add. Let’s take a look at these treatments in detail.   

• Antidepressants: Antidepressants directly affect the neurotransmitters in our mind. These eventually help to improve the attention and focus of the patients. 
• Non-stimulant drugs: Non-stimulant drugs are also an effective treatment for Add. These drugs affect the norepinephrine (A neurotransmitter in our mind) to help you focus on different tasks and balance emotions.
• Psychostimulants: Psychostimulants also affect brain stimulants. These include methylphenidate and amphetamines for increased energy and alertness.  
• Friendly environment: In case you have little ADD symptoms, then you may not need any medications. You only need a supportive family, friends, or workers with you to cooperate. 

Adhd Treatment

Here are the three very effective treatment methods for Adhd.    

• Stimulants: Stimulants are very commonly prescribed for the treatment of Adhd. Stimulants help in increasing alertness, energy, and attention.   
• Psychological treatment: Alongside medications, psychological treatment is also very necessary. It may involve marital counseling, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), etc.  

Final Words.

Add refers to the inattentive form of Adhd. The other form of Adhd is hyperactive. These two conditions are the exact opposite of each other. Before 1994, ADD was considered a separate disease, but after that, doctors labeled it as a condition of Adhd.

Don’t make assumptions based on your observation; try to diagnose these diseases independently. The best way is to consult a doctor and get the required treatment. Weather Add, or Adhd helpful environment is the key. Keep these patients around supportive people in school, workplace, or anywhere.