The difference between attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is simple. Attention deficit symptoms are marked by an inability to concentrate, such as difficulty listening or managing time. ¹ On the other hand, while ADHD symptoms are similar, they also incorporate hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. ²

Many may assume it’s ADD vs. ADHD. However, they’re both subtypes of the same condition. As such, it can be difficult to identify which subtype you struggle with.

Most with ADD or ADHD won’t reveal the stereotypical image we often associate with the condition. This may include an exuberant and direct individual who isn’t afraid to take risks. Instead, you likely live a quiet life and handle symptoms alone.

What is ADHD and ADD?

ADHD is the medical term used for an umbrella of psychiatric conditions that involve a person’s inability to pay attention. In fact, before the term ADHD appeared, the symptoms associated with this disorder were classified under ADD. This may be why there’s some confusion surrounding the two terms.

There are three types of ADHD: ³

• Primarily inattentive
• Primarily hyperactive-impulsive
• Combination of the two

The subtype you fall under will determine whether you’re diagnosed with ADHD or ADD. While the term ADD is now outdated, it’s often used to describe the primarily inattentive type of ADHD.

However, it can be difficult for your healthcare provider to diagnose you with a specific type. As with all mental illnesses, ADHD affects everyone differently. While some people may experience severe symptoms, others struggle with mild or moderate symptoms.

Inattentive ADHD

If you have inattentive ADHD, you struggle with focus, forgetfulness, and listening properly. In children, inattentive ADHD is sometimes observed as apathetic conduct. In adults, it may be misdiagnosed as an anxiety disorder or mood disorder. ⁴

Common symptoms for those who struggle with inattentive ADHD include:

• Appears not to listen when spoken to
• Avoids, dislikes, and is apprehensive towards tasks that require enduring mental effort
• Difficulty sustaining attention
• Disorganization
• Doesn’t follow instructions and is unable to finish projects
• Easily distracted
• Forgetful
• Makes careless mistakes and is unable to pay close attention to details
• Loses things that are required for tasks or activities

To be diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, you must meet six of the above symptoms. Not to mention, these symptoms must significantly impact your day-to-day life.

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

If you struggle with the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD, you have an overabundance of energy. However, not everyone with this type of ADHD will present stereotypical characteristics. ⁵

The most common symptoms include:

• Always seems to be ready, a very driven personality
• Answers questions before the question has been completed
• Difficulty awaiting turn
• Excessive talking
• Fidgety
• In situations where remaining seated is expected (i.e. classroom), the individual will leave their seat
• Interrupts others
• Restlessness (i.e. running about and climbing inappropriate things)
• Trouble playing or engaging quietly in activities

As with inattentive ADHD, it’s required you meet six of the above symptoms to be diagnosed with the condition.

Combined ADHD

Combined ADHD is simply a combination of inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. To be diagnosed with this type, you must experience 6 symptoms of inattention and 6 symptoms of hyperactivity. ⁶

Some research has found that men and boys are more likely to experience hyperactive symptoms. Whereas women and girls are more likely to be inattentive. Due to this, men are much more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as their symptoms are much more apparent. ⁷

ADHD and ADD in Adults

The symptoms of ADD and ADHD in adults are similar to those present in children. However, adults may have less severe symptoms. Therefore, they may not present such obvious signs of the condition.

Most adults who do struggle with ADHD have the inattentive type and will experience the following: ⁴

• Appear lazy, disinterested, and/or forgetful
• Difficulty following verbal instructions
• Losing interest in an activity quickly
• Making careless mistakes

Most commonly, an adult with ADHD is someone who experienced symptoms throughout childhood but was never properly treated. Very rarely does ADHD develop in adults after their teenage years. ⁹

Final Word

Since ADD is an outdated term, it shouldn’t be used if you’re seeking symptom relief. However, it is sometimes used (even among mental health professionals) to identify the inattentive type of ADHD. While the label may be helpful, it doesn’t necessarily determine the course of treatment you’ll take to recover.

References

¹ Farrar R, Call M, Maples WC. A comparison of the visual symptoms between ADD/ADHD and normal children. Optometry. 2001 Jul;72(7):441-51. PMID: 11486939.

² Magnus W, Nazir S, Anilkumar AC, Shaban K. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 2023 Aug 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan–. PMID: 28722868.

³ Reimherr FW, Roesler M, Marchant BK, Gift TE, Retz W, Philipp-Wiegmann F, Reimherr ML. Types of Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Replication Analysis. J Clin Psychiatry. 2020 Mar 17;81(2):19m13077. doi: 10.4088/JCP.19m13077. PMID: 32220152.

⁴ de la Peña IC, Pan MC, Thai CG, Alisso T. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Predominantly Inattentive Subtype/Presentation: Research Progress and Translational Studies. Brain Sci. 2020 May 14;10(5):292. doi: 10.3390/brainsci10050292. PMID: 32422912; PMCID: PMC7287898.

⁵ Riley C, DuPaul GJ, Pipan M, Kern L, Van Brakle J, Blum NJ. Combined type versus ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type: is there a difference in functional impairment? J Dev Behav Pediatr. 2008 Aug;29(4):270-5. doi: 10.1097/DBP.0b013e31816b6afe. PMID: 18454040.

⁶ Wu ZM, Wang P, Liu L, Liu J, Cao XL, Sun L, Cao QJ, Yang L, Wang YF, Yang BR. ADHD-inattentive versus ADHD-Combined subtypes: A severity continuum or two distinct entities? A comprehensive analysis of clinical, cognitive and neuroimaging data. J Psychiatr Res. 2022 May;149:28-36. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.02.012. Epub 2022 Feb 22. PMID: 35219873.

⁷ Skogli EW, Teicher MH, Andersen PN, Hovik KT, Øie M. ADHD in girls and boys–gender differences in co-existing symptoms and executive function measures. BMC Psychiatry. 2013 Nov 9;13:298. doi: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-298. PMID: 24206839; PMCID: PMC3827008.

⁸ Wender PH. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults. Psychiatr Clin North Am. 1998 Dec;21(4):761-74, v. doi: 10.1016/s0193-953x(05)70039-3. PMID: 9890120.

⁹ Asherson P, Agnew-Blais J. Annual Research Review: Does late-onset attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder exist? J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2019 Apr;60(4):333-352. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.13020. Epub 2019 Mar 7. PMID: 30843223.