What distinguishes Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is that ADD is not an actual medical term. As a matter of fact, ADD used to be a clinical term until the Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders changed it to ADHD-IT in 1994. ADHD-lT still remains one of the three subtypes of ADHD. ADD now is nothing more than a casual term to refer to ADHD. ADHD refers to people with impulsiveness and inattentiveness and is the overarching name for its three subtypes ADHD-HI, ADHD-IT, and ADHD-CT.
What Are The Three Subtypes?
The three types of ADHD are Inattentive ADHD-IT, Hyperactive ADHD-HI, and a combination of both Inattentive and Hyperactive ADHD-CT.
An Inattentive diagnosis is characterized by forgetfulness, poor focus, and poor listening skills. Moreover, the main symptoms are making careless mistakes, lack of ability to focus, appearing not to listen, and being distracted easily.
Hyperactive ADHD refers to children with impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Furthermore, the main symptoms for Hyperactive ADHD are fidgeting, talking excessively, acting impulsively, poor organization, and intruding on others.
The last form is the combination of both Inattentive and Hyperactive ADHD. To diagnose someone with both subtypes requires multiple symptoms of both Inattentive and Hyperactive ADHD.
The Takeaway
ADHD may get confusing because of the different ways it may manifest, but it can be narrowed down to three subtypes. If you are aware of these three subtypes, their symptoms, and how they develop, you can seek professional medical treatment for an official diagnosis for you or a loved one before it starts to cause daily problems in your life. Here at Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, we specialize in assessing and treating ADHD and other mental health issues and will assist you in making genuine positive changes in your life.
Dr. Gordon is an experienced ADHD expert. He is devoted to helping you learn more about ADHD and find solutions for each individual’s needs. Please feel free to contact us for any concerns or questions regarding ADHD about yourself, or a loved one.
The Pathways team of professionals has helped thousands of people with ADHD. We are Dedicated to effective and compassionate care for individuals with neurological challenges.
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