What is ADD/ADHD?

image of brain scan showing different activity level in an ADHD brain

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):

a neurobiological condition that challenges a person’s ability to perform in particular areas which include: Activation, Emotion, Focus, Memory, Effort, and Action

What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?

The terms ADD and ADHD are often used interchangeably.  The technical difference between the two is that Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) does not include the hyperactive component, whereas Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) does include the hyperactive component.

Are there different types of ADD/ADHD?

There are three types of ADD/ADHD:

  • ADHD, Predominately Inattentive Type
  • ADHD, Predominately Hyperactive Type
  • ADHD, Combined Type

What are the symptoms of ADD/ADHD?

The American Psychiatric Association has established a set of criteria that is used by professionals to determine if a person has ADD/ADHD.  These criteria represent the clinical view of the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.

Many people experience some ADD/ADHD like behavior due to a “Crazy Busy” lifestyle.  People with ADD/ADHD often report experiencing a significant degree of the following challenges throughout the lifespan, and on a very regular basis:

  • Impulsivity
  • Forgetfulness
  • Physical restlessness
  • Mental or cognitive restlessness
  • Distractability
  • Gap between ability and achievement
  • Sense of being overwhelmed
  • Difficulty getting organized
  • Challenges with managing time and priorities
  • Need for adrenaline producing activity
  • Ability to pay attention to many things simultaneously

What are co-existing conditions?

The term co-existing conditions means that there is more than one diagnosis for an individual.  ADD/ADHD can certainly be the only diagnosis a person qualifies for, but it is not uncommon for people with ADD/ADHD to have more than one diagnosis.  Common co-existing conditions with ADD/ADHD are anxiety, depression, and Learning Disabilities or Differences (often referred to as LD).

 

Is ADD/ADHD over diagnosed?

ADD/ADHD is often misdiagnosed.  Many people exhibit some ADD/ADHD symptoms sometimes, but do not qualify for the diagnosis, while others are completely overlooked and given labels such as lazy, underachiever, daydreamer.

 1 in 15 people have ADD/ADHD