Unraveling the Mystery of ADHD: Understanding the Differences and Diagnosis

The Evolution of ADHD Terminology

Remember when “ADD” was the buzzword in your seventh-grade classroom? Then, suddenly, it was replaced by “ADHD.” So, what’s the difference? Technically, ADD (attention deficit disorder) no longer exists as a medical term, having been replaced by ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

What is ADHD, Anyway?

ADHD is characterized by ongoing inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity that interferes with daily functioning or normal development. In a nutshell, ADD and ADHD are basically the same – except that “ADD” is an outdated term used to describe someone who struggles to focus but doesn’t have hyperactivity.

ADHD by the Numbers

ADHD affects an estimated 2.5% of adults and 8.4% of children in the United States, making it one of the most common mental health conditions affecting kids. However, it’s often overlooked – especially in women – because people assume the symptoms are due to hormones, burnout, or being tired or stressed.

A Brief History of ADHD Terminology

The American Psychiatric Association published the DSM-5 in 2013, which included updated criteria for diagnosing ADHD. But this wasn’t the first time the condition’s name changed. In the DSM-2 from 1968, it was called Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood, with an emphasis on high levels of activity and movement. The DSM-3, published in 1980, shifted the focus to symptoms of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

The Three Faces of ADHD

ADHD is categorized into three types:

• Predominantly Inattentive: Someone with this type of ADHD might feel spacey, unable to focus, or generally distracted – but not hyperactive or impulsive. Symptoms include:
  • Becoming easily distracted
  • Struggling to pay attention to details
  • Ignoring someone speaking to them
  • Poor time management skills
• Hyperactive-Impulsive: This type of ADHD shows up as symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity but not as much inattention. People experiencing this type of ADHD tend to be fidgety and constantly moving, acting first and thinking later. Symptoms include:
  • Not considering the consequences of their actions
  • Having trouble staying seated
  • Interrupting conversations
• Combined: This type of ADHD is a mash-up of the two other types. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, most children who have ADHD have this type.

What Does ADHD Feel Like?

Symptoms of ADHD can vary by age and sex. They can appear as early as age 3, but it’s also common for the condition to go unnoticed until adulthood. In little kids, the most common symptom is hyperactivity/impulsivity. In elementary school, the inability to focus becomes more common. By the teen years, hyperactivity usually diminishes, while impulsive or inattentive behaviors remain.

ADHD in Adults

In adults, symptoms of ADHD are different. They can be similar to the effects of stress, hormones, or burnout and might include:

• A short temper
• Disorganization
• Inability to manage finances
• Poor time management skills

Women may experience other ADHD symptoms that are often mistaken for chronic stress or impostor syndrome as a result of gender stereotypes.

Treatment Options

While there’s no cure for ADHD, you can definitely manage the symptoms. Treatment usually focuses on improving quality of life personally, professionally, and/or academically. Options include:

• Behavior therapy
• Central nervous system stimulants
• Nonstimulant medications
• Psychotherapy
• Classes on social or parenting skills
• Support groups