How are ADD and ADHD Different?

Story by: Keith Londrie

Attention Deficit Disorder is a very complex, and often times 
misunderstood, disorder. Its basis is physiological, but it can have a 
host of ramifications that come along with it. That aside, what are the 
differences between ADD and ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit 
Hyperactive Disorder, with the main symptoms being visible
hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. These are the symptoms that 
stand out to the objective observer. ADD stands for Attention 
Deficit Disorder with the main symptoms being inattention. Now 
many other things can come along with both of these subtypes of ADHD, 
but those are the distinguishing features of both.

For many years, the typical picture of Attention Deficit Disorder has 
been the little boy that is bouncing off the walls and driving his 
teachers and parents crazy. ADHD is by far the most diagnosed of 
the two subtypes because it is so much more visible than ADD. Since 
hyperactivity creates a lot more distraction and problems for 
classrooms, it gets the most attention and will be picked up on a lot 
faster. Unfortunately, even though ADD is less invisible, the results 
of the disorder can just as destructive.

With inattentive attention deficit disorder, or ADD, the person 
suffering from it will seem spacey and disorganized. Most often, 
sufferers with this type will be staring out the window during classes 
and will appear as if they are never quite present. It is much 
more difficult to diagnose and many people with this form of ADD go 
years without even knowing they have it. But the results of the 
wandering mind can be just as destructive.

For many years, it was thought that only boys had ADHD. This myth 
has been shattered recently, though. It is now known that both 
boys and girls can have attention deficit disorder, and many do not 
grow out of it in adulthood. One difference that has been noted is that 
girls tend to have the inattentive version of ADD, and many times it is 
misdiagnosed as depression. Because inattentive ADD does not 
cause obvious problems and distractions to the surrounding environment, 
many suffer in silence for years before they find out the real cause of 
their troubles.

With both ADHD and ADD, diagnosis early is very important. 
Although problems with academics is the most obvious symptom, some 
sufferers do not have significant issues with getting school work 
done. Keep track of your children, not just academically, but 
socially and emotionally as well. Do they have trouble with other 
children? Does it seem as if they have trouble organizing or are 
excessively messy? Do they have trouble sitting still for a period of 
time? Are they excessively quiet or excessively talkative? Now any of 
these symptoms do not specifically signify ADD or ADHD, but they do 
point to asking for outside help from a counselor or therapist. Your 
child's psychological health is just as important as their physical 
health and how they do in school. Check it out if you feel like 
something is off. If left for years undiagnosed, ADD can cause 
lots of other secondary problems that can take a long time to undo and 
can be prevented.

Keith Londrie II is a well known author. For more information on ADHD, please visit ADHDfor a wealth of information. You may also want to visit keith's own web site athttp://keithlondrie.com/

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