What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?

Most people are familiar with the terms attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but with only one word differentiating the two, it can be difficult to understand the distinction. Does the latter simply include an extra symptom? The truth is a little more complicated.

The dichotomy between these terms is a false one. The term ADD is outdated, and what were traditionally seen as separate conditions are now subtypes of the same one. However, there are other, better ways to categorize variations of ADHD. Let’s explore ADHD, a brief history of these terms, and the way its subtypes are now categorized.

What is ADHD

ADHD is the officially recognized name for the cognitive disorder characterized by three main symptoms:

  • Impulsivity - the tendency to make quick decisions without considering long-term consequences, especially when they lead to immediate rewards

  • Inattention - inability to stay consistently engaged in a task or conversation, frequently due to wandering or disorganized thoughts

  • Hyperactivity - inability to stay still, which usually results in fidgeting, tapping, or any other type of constant movement.

Not all cases of ADHD feature all these symptoms. We’ll explore that after we take a look at the history of the terms.

ADD vs ADHD: A Brief History

The term ADHD first appeared in the second edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1968. It was originally defined as a hyperkinetic reaction of childhood. In the 1980 3rd edition, it was reclassified as ADD with two variations: with and without hyperactivity. It reached its final form in 1987, when it combined inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity into a single term: ADHD.

The 2013 edition of the DSM finally defined the term as it remains today: one disorder, ADHD, with three different types: inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity, and a combination of both types. All three variations can occur in both adults and children. Let’s explore them a little more thoroughly.


Inattentive Type ADHD

The original definition of ADD described this variety of ADHD. Those with this variation of the disorder experience consistent symptoms of distractibility and inattention. These frequently include:

  • Difficulty managing time and staying organized

  • Trouble concentrating on daily tasks and activities

  • Frequent lapses in attention and short term memory

  • Habitual loss of items necessary for routine activities

  • Procrastination of tasks which require extended mental effort or attention, often professional work or homework, including activities you enjoy

  • Difficulty following instructions to complete tasks

  • Inability to keep track of important events and dates, including birthdays deadlines

  • Work that includes many simple mistakes

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

Those with this variation of ADHD don’t struggle with inattention or distractibility to the extent that it has frequent negative effects on daily life. However, they experience hyperactivity and impulsivity-related symptoms like:

  • Excessive talking

  • Inability to wait patiently or take turns with others

  • Squirming, fidgeting, tapping hands, and other repetitive movements, especially while sitting

  • Persistent restlessness, which sometimes manifest in intense desires to run

  • Difficulty remaining still, staying in one place, or being quiet while still

  • Trouble remaining involved in relaxing activities

  • Interrupting others in conversation

  • Emotional outbursts

Combination ADHD

Those with Combination ADHD exhibit both hyperactive and inattentive symptoms, though sometimes one type is more severe than the other. Men and boys tend to exhibit stronger hyperactive symptoms, while women and girls are predisposed to inattentive symptoms.

In order to be diagnosed with this variation, someone must exhibit at least six symptoms from each category if they are a child or five from each category if they’re an adult.

Different studies have found evidence that combination ADHD is more and less frequent than the other variations. Experts aren’t in agreement about the reason for this, but many speculate that when symptoms appear in tandem, they can be easier to notice. On the other hand, when one symptom is far more present than the other, it’s possible that Combination ADHD cases are sometimes misdiagnosed as one of the others.

ADHD Treatment at Great Salt Plains Health Center

If you are concerned you, your child, or another loved one might have ADHD, it’s important to seek help. Effectively treating ADHD can have incredible effects on someone’s quality of life. Many people go years or even decades where they believe they are simply inadequate at facing the challenges of daily life rather than experiencing a diagnosable disorder.


At Great Salt Plains Health Center, we can test, diagnose, and treat ADHD cases in adults and children. Take the first step toward wellness by contacting us for your appointment today.

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