Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often used interchangeably, but the slight difference in abbreviation leads many people to wonder: are these two different conditions? If not, what is the reason for the separate names? In this blog, we’ll break down what ADD and ADHD are, and if there is any difference between the two.
ADD vs. ADHD - Is There a Difference?
In today’s world of psychology, there is no longer a difference between ADD and ADHD. ADD is an outdated term that was once used to describe forms of ADHD that did not include hyperactivity symptoms — what we now know as inattentive ADHD. However, in 1994, doctors decided to combine the terms and call all attention deficit disorders ADHD, regardless of whether or not hyperactivity symptoms were present1.
ADD is still sometimes used among people outside of the psychology community, especially those who grew up hearing the term. However, it is becoming less prevalent as ADHD becomes more normalized.
The Different Types of ADHD
Instead of considering “ADD” and ADHD two different conditions, there are now three types of ADHD. All of these types fall under the umbrella of ADHD, but may include different symptoms. These include:
Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD
The hyperactivity-impulsivity type of ADHD is the type of ADHD that first comes to mind for most people. Those with hyperactivity-impulsivity ADHD may seem to be constantly on the go, flitting from one topic to the next, fidgeting or restless. They may be impatient or impulsive, such as attempting to answer questions before the question is finished or rushing into a decision in order to avoid waiting. The trajectory of their focus may feel random, because it is often pulled in so many directions.
Inattentive ADHD
Inattentive ADHD is what we once called ADD. It is a form of attention deficit, but without the symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity. Instead, those with inattentive ADHD may seem to space out, make careless and inattentive mistakes, or become sidetracked easily when they are given a task. They may lose items and seem especially forgetful. They may also struggle with executive function and treating things with the urgency that they need.
This form of ADHD can be harder to notice, but just as disruptive to the life of the person who has it.
Combined ADHD
Combined ADHD occurs when a patient has both hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms. Someone with combined ADHD may eagerly jump into a new project or overload their plate, but then struggle to follow through. They may have big ideas and miss some of the obvious little details. A patient is diagnosed with combined type ADHD if they have exhibited at least 5 inattentive symptoms and at least 5 hyperactive-impulsive symptoms in the last six months.
Treatments for ADHD
There are treatments available for ADHD, both in the form of therapy and in terms of medication. The type of treatment that you choose will depend on the severity of your ADHD as well as your personal experiences. You can also combine medication with therapy.
Therapy
ADHD can be a distressing mental health condition. It can make it difficult for you to engage with the things you enjoy, can cause issues in your work or school, and can even impact your relationships. But there are therapy treatments that can help you to cope and manage symptoms so that ADHD does not control your life:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT aims to help you reframe negative thought patterns so that you can reframe your behaviors. For instance, if you feel “I’m a burden to my friends because of my ADHD, and I should withdraw,” CBT can help you reframe that thinking by seeing how much your friends value your company. However, there are also ADHD specific forms of CBT. These forms of CBT focus on helping you plan and organize, as well as develop coping strategies to manage your distractibility and productivity.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). DBT involves one individual session a week and one group session a week for a year. In DBT, you address target behaviors and what causes them, as well as developing alternative strategies to handle situations that bring about your target behaviors. You practice things like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance, which can all be helpful for ADHD.
- Narrative Therapy. Narrative therapy explores the narratives that you tell yourself and challenges them, getting to the heart of what the truth might be. For instance, many individuals with ADHD feel that they are lazy or that they will never achieve the things they strive for. In narrative therapy, you would challenge the idea of being lazy by considering how much you balance as opposed to someone who doesn’t have ADHD.
- ADHD Coaching. You can also work with a therapist on ADHD coaching, setting goals to manage your symptoms and handle potential obstacles in your path. In ADHD coaching, your therapist may encourage you to set rewards for yourself when you meet certain goals in order to stay motivated.
Medication
ADHD is often treated with stimulants and non-stimulants. Stimulants, such as Adderall and Ritalin, aim to reduce symptoms by providing an increase in dopamine. This can help to improve focus. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine (Strattera), are prescribed for patients who don’t respond well to stimulants or need to treat impulsivity symptoms. In some cases, a psychiatrist may also prescribe antidepressants to treat any comorbid symptoms of depression.
At Rivia Mind, we have a number of skilled and compassionate clinicians who specialize in ADHD and the impacts it can have on your mental health. We are here to help you, with psychiatry, therapy, or a combination of both. Contact Rivia Mind today to learn more or to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
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