ADD and ADHD are terms used to describe the same disorder.
People with ADHD don’t always have hyperactivity, but the diagnosis of ADHD still applies.
Verywell / Laura Porter
ADD or ADHD?
Verywell / Laura Porter
“ADHD” is the abbreviation for “attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.”
“Attention deficit disorder” or ADD is an older term for the condition.
Instead, they are diagnosed with ADHD and a certain presentation of symptoms.
Why is ADD no longer a diagnosis?
Then, as a teen or adult, they may no longer experience overactivity.
It is possible to experience symptoms of multiple presentation categories.
Some people outgrow the condition when they reach adulthood, but many don’t.
Like children with ADHD, adults with ADHD have trouble with focus, planning, and decision-making.
You may have problems staying organized and may lose things like keys and important papers.
In adults with ADHD, hyperactivity is less obvious and can manifest as impulsivity.
Adults with hyperactive presenting ADHD can be restless, excessively talkative, and have problems with self-control.
Summary
ADHD and ADD are both terms used to describe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
ADD is anoutdated termthat is no longer in official use.
Unofficially, however, it is still sometimes used interchangeably with the term ADHD.
ADHD has several presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive, and combined.
Some people use the term ADD to describe the presentation of predominantly inattentive ADHD.
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