What’s the Difference Between ADD and ADHD?

You may have heard people using the terms “ADD” and “ADHD” interchangeably, while some refer to them as separate disorders. But are they interchangeable, or are they different conditions? 

You might be surprised to learn that ADD is simply an outdated term used for ADHD. 

In clinical terms, ADD hasn’t been used for a few decades now. But its usage in everyday language continues. Confused or curious about why this change was made? We’ll go over the reasons behind it — and help you learn more about ADHD types, symptoms, and treatments. 

What is ADHD?

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a behavioral disorder. Those who have this condition experience inattentive and/or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. These symptoms may interfere with their everyday functioning and activities. 

Roughly 11% of children between ages 5 and 17 in the U.S. have been diagnosed with ADHD, based on results from the 2022 National Survey of Children’s Health. And a 2023 meta-analysis found that around 3% of adults in the U.S. have ADHD. 

How is ADHD diagnosed? The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) lists certain criteria that healthcare providers use to make an official diagnosis. 

In general, a diagnosis of ADHD requires having at least six inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms for those who are 16 and under. For those who are 17 and up, an ADHD diagnosis requires having at least five inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. 

Other criteria include having symptoms for at least six months or more and having several occur in more than one setting. 

What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is an outdated term for what we now call ADHD. Some people diagnosed with ADHD exhibit hyperactive behaviors, but some don’t. The diagnosis was officially changed to ADHD in a revised third edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) released in 1994.

Although the name change occurred nearly three decades ago, people still commonly refer to the condition as ADD. The difference between ADD and ADHD is the former doesn’t include symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Why is ADD no longer a diagnosis?

The ADHD diagnosis underwent some restructuring back in 1994 in the revised edition of the DSM-III. Before that, ADD was treated as a separate disorder mainly characterized by inattention symptoms. However, in the DSM-III-R, ADHD replaced ADD entirely. 

The new diagnostic criteria includes three primary types of symptoms: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. And these symptoms could present in different combinations. 

What caused this change? Researchers observed no major differences between hyperactive and non-hyperactive ADD — resulting in the decision to replace ADD with ADHD.  

Signs and symptoms of ADHD

Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity are the main kinds of symptoms associated with ADHD. But they may present in various ways. In the following sections, we’ll explore the signs and symptoms of ADHD.  

Inattentiveness symptoms 

Some individuals with ADHD struggle with paying attention and are easily distracted. Examples of inattentiveness symptoms include:

• Making careless mistakes often at work or at school 
• Struggling to follow instructions and complete tasks 
• Frequently losing items used in everyday life, such as keys or pens 
• Having difficulty organizing activities or tasks 
• Avoiding tasks that need to be done for long periods of time and require a lot of mental effort 

Hyperactive-impulsive symptoms 

Some individuals with ADHD struggle with staying still or quiet, even in situations where moving around or talking aren’t considered appropriate. Those with impulsivity struggle with self-control or seek immediate gratification. Examples of hyperactive-impulsive symptoms include:

• Frequently fidgeting while sitting or standing 
• Talking excessively 
• Feeling restless or running around when they’re not supposed to
• Frequently interrupting other people 
• Having trouble waiting for their turn during activities 

What are the different types of ADHD?

Just as there are different types of primary ADHD symptoms, there are a few different types of ADHD. Diagnoses depend on whether individuals mostly have inattentive symptoms or impulsive/hyperactive symptoms — or a combination. Let’s go over these different types of ADHD in more detail.

1.  ADHD, combined type

Individuals with this type exhibit both inattentive/distractible and impulsive/hyperactive symptoms. This is actually the most common type of ADHD.

Being diagnosed with the combined type of ADHD requires having at least six inattention symptoms and at least six hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for six months or more — along with other criteria. 

Combined type doesn’t indicate a more severe type of ADHD compared to the other two. It means that both major types of symptoms are present rather than one type being more prevalent or dominant than the other. 

2.  ADHD, inattentive and distractible type 

Those who have this type of ADHD mainly have symptoms of inattention, such as struggling to pay attention or misplacing things often. They might also have a few symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity — or none. But these symptoms aren’t as prevalent as inattentive symptoms. 

Inattentive type ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in girls and adults, especially women. It’s not as common as combined type ADHD, but it’s more common than impulsive/hyperactive ADHD.

3.  ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type 

Individuals with this form of ADHD mostly have hyperactive and/or impulsive symptoms, such as squirming often, talking constantly, or having trouble waiting for their turn. They might also have symptoms of inattentiveness and distractibility, but these aren’t as prominent as impulsive/hyperactive symptoms. 

Hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD is the least common type. It’s more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls. 

How therapy is beneficial for ADHD symptoms 

ADHD is considered a childhood condition. But adults can also be diagnosed with it. And ADHD symptoms during childhood may persist into adulthood. There’s no cure for ADHD, but several treatment options are available to help manage its symptoms. 

The right treatment approach may help individuals with this disorder improve their mental wellness — and minimize the difficulties ADHD symptoms may cause in everyday life. Below, we’ll discuss the main types of treatment used for this disorder. 

1.  Therapy 

Treating this disorder doesn’t involve just one therapeutic approach. In fact, two different types of therapy are often used for ADHD. Behavioral therapy involves helping individuals strengthen adaptive behaviors and eliminate maladaptive or unhelpful ones. For example, they might use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify impulsive behaviors and replace them with adaptive ones. 

Social skills training — or executive function training — involves helping individuals improve their organizational skills and self-monitor their behaviors. For example, they might work on listening and participating in conversations through role-playing. Or they might focus on building skills for coping with frustration or impatience. 

2.  Medication

ADHD medications “work by increasing the levels of chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain.” They come in the form of stimulants, non-stimulants, and antidepressants. Remember, medication isn’t always necessary. Be sure to consult your care team to see if medication should be part of your treatment plan.

Find support that works for you with SonderMind 

The right care may help those with ADHD manage their symptoms effectively, whether they have inattentive or hyperactive/impulsive symptoms — or a mix of both. Treatment involving therapy with or without medication may lead to improved functioning on a day-to-day basis. 

At SonderMind, we offer a simple and fast way to find help for managing ADHD symptoms. We connect individuals with licensed mental health professionals for online or in-person therapy sessions. 

Ready to find support and improve your mental well-being? Let SonderMind connect you with a therapist who fits your needs!