What is the difference between ADD and ADHD? There is no difference between ADD and ADHD. ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is an outdated term for what is now called ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). Some kids with ADHD have hyperactive behaviors and some don't, but the diagnosis is ADHD either way.
More than half of children on the autism spectrum have symptoms of ADD, according to CHADD — difficulty settling down, social awkwardness, the ability to focus only on things that interest them, and impulsivity. ADHD itself, however, is not part of the autism spectrum.
ADD is an older term for what is now known as the inattentive type of ADHD. The term ADHD has been used to describe both inattentive and hyperactive types since the mid-1990s. However, some people continue to use the term ADD as a way to indicate that the condition does not include hyperactivity as a symptom.
One is not worse or better than the other. There is simply a difference in behavior patterns. Treatment, when properly done, will not differentiate between ADD and ADHD, but will target the specific areas of difficulty in a person's life and work to improve their lives.
Age itself doesn't necessarily make ADHD worse. The way your symptoms show up depends on several factors. The good news is that most adults are able to manage their lives well with therapy and medications.
Genetics. ADHD tends to run in families and, in most cases, it's thought the genes you inherit from your parents are a significant factor in developing the condition. Research shows that parents and siblings of someone with ADHD are more likely to have ADHD themselves.
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) has been historically defined as a genetic, biochemical disorder involving two neurotransmitters known to enhance attention processes within the brain. There is universal agreement that the “Real ADD” is a genetic disorder present in the immediate or extended family.
ADD is diagnosed if a child under age 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention (5 or more for older teens) for at least 6 consecutive months but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms include: Trouble paying attention (easily sidetracked) Doesn't like or avoids long mental tasks (such as homework)
You can inherit genes that boost risk for ADHD from your mother, from your father or from both parents. In a recent Norwegian study, inherited risk was somewhat higher when a child's mother had ADHD compared to their father, but researchers weren't certain why that would be. What are the main causes of ADHD?
Although anxiety and ADHD may occur together, ADHD is not an anxiety disorder. Sometimes, anxiety can occur independently of ADHD. Other times, it can be as a result of living with ADHD. A person who has ADHD and misses a work deadline or forgets to study for an important exam can become stressed and worried.
ADHD is a protected disability under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Causes of ADHD
Recent studies link genetic factors with ADHD. In addition to genetics, scientists are studying other possible causes and risk factors including: Brain injury. Exposure to environmental risks (e.g., lead) during pregnancy or at a young age.
In adults, the main features of ADHD may include difficulty paying attention, impulsiveness and restlessness. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many adults with ADHD aren't aware they have it — they just know that everyday tasks can be a challenge.
A medical, physical or neurodevelopmental exam identifies if you or your child meets the criteria for ADHD symptoms, including hyperactivity, inattention or impulsivity. Recording symptoms using rating scales and other sources of information ensures you or your child meets standardized criteria.
Most researchers point to genetics and heredity as deciding factors for who gets attention deficit disorder (ADHD or ADD) and who doesn't. Scientists are investigating whether certain genes, especially ones linked to the neurotransmitter dopamine, may play a role in developing ADHD.
Ranking ADD
According to other ADD statistics, approximately 5% of all children between the ages of five and 11 and 11% of children between 4 and 17 have been diagnosed with the condition. Also, approximately 3% of all adults have the condition.
ADD (attention-deficit disorder) is an outdated term for what is now called ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). Some kids with ADHD have hyperactive behaviors and some don't, but the diagnosis is ADHD either way. What is the difference between ADD and ADHD? There is no difference between ADD and ADHD.
ADHD Assessment & Treatment Centres
To legally protect the rights of people with ADHD in Australia, under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), a person's ADHD must be classed as a disability according to the criteria as specified in the DDA.
ADHD is not on the autism spectrum, but they have some of the same symptoms. And having one of these conditions increases the chances of having the other. Experts have changed the way they think about how autism and ADHD are related.
Does ADHD affect IQ? A popular misconception is that all children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are naturally smarter and have a higher IQ than children without ADHD. However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence.
ADHD can affect a student's ability to focus, pay attention, listen, or put effort into schoolwork. ADHD also can make a student fidgety, restless, talk too much, or disrupt the class. Kids with ADHD might also have learning disabilities that cause them to have problems in school.
These may include hyperfocus, resilience, creativity, conversational skills, spontaneity, and abundant energy. Many people view these benefits as “superpowers” because those with ADHD can hone them to their advantage. People with ADHD have a unique perspective that others may find interesting and valuable.