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The Difference Between ADD & ADHD in Adults

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affect many adults, whether they were diagnosed as a child or in adulthood, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Although ADD and ADHD are often identified as the same disorder, distinct differences exist between the symptom profile encompassed by each disorder.

  1. Identification

    • When identifying ADD or ADHD in an adult, there are three main areas of problem symptoms that a doctor looks for, according to NIMH: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive. The last two fall under the category of ADHD, while the first identifies ADD.

    Features

    • An adult with predominantly inattentive ADD may have trouble focusing, become bored easily with common tasks, or seem slow to process and follow instructions. With ADHD, the affected person will show more of the hyperactive-impulsive symptoms, such as the inability to sit still for even a short period of time, constant talking (often interrupting others), and blurting out inappropriate comments.

    Considerations

    • According to Jerry Rogers, M.D. of ADHD Strategies, it is important to consider that very rarely is an adult diagnosed with "pure" ADD or ADHD, since the disorders tend to cross through the three predominant problem areas. However, some adults may not exhibit hyperactive symptoms at all, yet still may have a diagnosis of ADHD since the term Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder acts as a blanket term for medical diagnoses.

    Expert Insight

    • Another difference between being predominantly hyperactive-impulsive (ADHD) and predominantly inattentive (ADD) is that the latter often goes undiagnosed among adults, say the experts at NIMH. This is because people who exhibit predominantly inattentive symptoms may simply seem quiet and unfocused, lacking the more dramatic symptoms of the hyperactive side.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Treatment options for predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, predominantly inattentive, and the combined symptom profile of ADD/ADHD are very similar. Medications such as amphetamine stimulants prove helpful in handling symptoms for all three areas. However, counseling such as behavioral therapy can differ depending on the main problem area for the individual diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. For those who need it, there is a focus on coping skills for adults diagnosed with hyperactive-impulsive or combined (ADHD), as well as for those who fall into the predominantly inattentive (ADD) category.

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