It’s common to hear people, and even some doctors, use the term ADD when talking about attention problems, especially in children who daydream in class, struggle to focus on homework, or seem easily distracted. You might be wondering if ADD is different from ADHD, or if it’s simply an older term. Let’s clarify what ADD really means and how it relates to what doctors diagnose today.
The truth is, ADD and ADHD are essentially two terms for the same condition, but the term ADD is no longer officially used in medical diagnoses. While you might still hear people use ADD, particularly when describing someone who has trouble focusing but isn’t hyperactive, it’s important to understand that current medical professionals diagnose this condition under the umbrella of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Someone who might have been diagnosed with ADD in the past would now likely be diagnosed with a specific subtype of ADHD, primarily the inattentive presentation.
The Historical Shift from ADD to ADHD
To understand why ADD is no longer an official diagnosis, it’s helpful to look back at the history of how this condition has been understood. As far back as the 1800s, doctors were observing children exhibiting symptoms we now recognize as ADHD. They used various descriptions like “nervous child” or “simple hyperexcitability” to categorize these behaviors.
A significant shift occurred in 1980 with the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III) from the American Psychiatric Association (APA). This edition officially introduced the term Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Crucially, the DSM-III recognized two subtypes of ADD: ADD with hyperactivity and ADD without hyperactivity. This was the first time “ADD” became a formal diagnostic term, focusing on challenges with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The criteria were also made more specific, including symptom cutoffs, age of onset guidelines, duration of symptoms, and the requirement to rule out other potential psychiatric conditions.
However, the understanding of this condition continued to evolve. In 1987, with revisions to the DSM-III, the name was changed from ADD to ADHD – Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This change also streamlined the diagnostic approach by removing the separate subtypes and merging the symptom lists into a single set of criteria.
ADHD Subtypes: Where “ADD” Fits In Today
The most recent significant change came in 1994 with the DSM-IV. The APA further refined the classification by outlining three primary subtypes of ADHD. These subtypes are still used in diagnoses today and provide a more nuanced understanding of the condition:
- Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: This subtype is what was previously known as ADD without hyperactivity. Individuals primarily struggle with inattention. Symptoms include difficulty paying attention, being easily distracted, forgetfulness, and challenges following instructions. They may not be hyperactive or impulsive, which is why this presentation is closest to the common understanding of “ADD.”
- Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: This subtype is characterized mainly by hyperactivity and impulsivity. Symptoms include fidgeting, restlessness, difficulty waiting their turn, and interrupting others. While inattention may be present, hyperactivity and impulsivity are the most prominent features.
- Combined Presentation: This is the most common subtype and includes significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Individuals with this presentation meet the criteria for both of the other subtypes.
Therefore, when considering “What Is Add,” it’s essential to recognize that it’s an outdated term. Today, if someone exhibits symptoms primarily of inattention without significant hyperactivity, they would be diagnosed with ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation. Understanding this historical shift and the current diagnostic criteria helps clarify any confusion surrounding ADD and ADHD. The focus now is on recognizing the diverse ways ADHD can manifest, ensuring accurate diagnosis and appropriate support for individuals experiencing these challenges.
