Do you know how many children have ADHD? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 5% of children have ADHD. And the recommended treatment includes behavior therapy and medication.
But that’s for ADHD. You may be wondering, “What about ADD?” It’s an interesting question considering other people use the terms ‘ADD’ and ‘ADHD’ interchangeably. They’re not quite right, and you’ll realize why the more you know about the whole ADD vs. ADHD thing.
That said, here are 5 key facts about ADD vs ADHD:
- ADD vs. ADHD: A One-Letter Difference?
If ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, what does ADD mean?
If you guessed Attention-Deficit Disorder, you’re correct. But you also need to remember that ADD is an outdated term. Under the ADHD DSM 5 code, whether a patient has hyperactivity or not, it’s still considered ADHD.
To be more specific, ADHD has 3 subtypes. This includes Inattentive ADHD or what used to be known as ADD.
- Inattentive ADHD Symptoms
Spacey, always daydreaming, lacks focus, doesn’t listen, very forgetful…these are some of the symptoms present in patients diagnosed with Inattentive ADHD.
Now, you may think these symptoms don’t seem that serious. After all, some people just love to daydream. Plus, it’s impossible to be 100% focused every minute of every day.
You’re right. But there are also cases when these very symptoms cause a severe impact at school or work. It’s important to get the right diagnosis as early as possible so you or your child can get the right treatment including medication, behavioral therapy, and other intervention strategies.
- Other Subtypes of ADHD
Aside from Inattentive ADHD, the other two subtypes are: Hyperactive/Impulsive and Combined.
Those with Hyperactive/Impulsive form of ADHD have tons of energy and are always moving (often in a way that causes problems). Other symptoms include fidgeting, talking too much, restlessness, difficulty remaining in one’s seat, interrupting others, and so on.
Meanwhile, Combined ADHD refers to a patient who has both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
- Adult ADHD
Do ADHD symptoms go away with age? ADHD is a lifelong condition. If someone gets diagnosed as an adult, it doesn’t mean the symptoms only appeared late. They’ve always been there.
The key to success when it comes to treating adult ADHD is working with the best clinical psychologist. For example, Robert M Cristal, Ph.D. is an expert in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It’s a specialized form of psychotherapy geared towards the improvement of one’s quality of life.
- Treating ADHD
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for ADHD. Some patients will need meds, while others only need behavior therapy. It’s best to talk with your or your child’s doctor to learn more about ADHD treatment options. Make sure to ask about side effects from medication, as well what to expect from the prescribed therapies.
Now that you know more about ADD vs. ADHD, make sure to seek the help of a medical professional if you recognize the symptoms in your child (or yourself). From there you and your doctor can work on the right treatment plan to help you or your child manage the symptoms of ADHD.
For more health advice and tips, don’t forget to check out the rest of the blog.
