| Here are a number of the most common | | | | it. That aside, what are the differences |
| questions I get asked about ADD and ADHD. | | | | between ADD and ADHD? ADHD stands for |
| | | | Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, with |
| What is ADD? Although ADHD is really the | | | | the main symptoms being visible hyperactivity |
| technical medical name the disorder, it is | | | | and/or impulsivity - the symptoms that stand |
| still commonly called ADD. ADHD is a | | | | out to the objective observer. ADD stands |
| neurobiological disorder located in the | | | | for Attention Deficit Disorder with the main |
| prefrontal cortex, and it is also a type of | | | | symptoms being inattention. Many other |
| brain wiring that is different than that of | | | | things can come along with both of these |
| the general population, affecting all areas | | | | subtypes of ADHD, but those are the |
| of functioning to a degree. The main area of | | | | distinguishing features of both. For many |
| life that it affects is the executive | | | | years, the typical picture of Attention |
| function, or the area of the brain that | | | | Deficit Disorder has been the little boy that |
| organizes, plans and executes goals. | | | | is bouncing off the walls and driving his |
| | | | teachers and parents crazy. |
| People with ADHD have a short attention span, | | | | |
| and are incapable of focusing for long | | | | ADHD is by far the most diagnosed of the two |
| periods of time; their minds tend to wander | | | | subtypes because it is so much more visible |
| and drift, and they are easily distracted. | | | | than ADD. Hyperactivity creates a lot more |
| They have trouble paying attention to daily, | | | | distraction and problems in classrooms; |
| routine activities that do not provide high | | | | therefore, it is far more noticeable. |
| stimulation such as chores, homework, and | | | | However, even though ADD is less visible, the |
| paperwork. Unfortunately, these activities | | | | results of the disorder can just as |
| are everywhere and are needed in order to | | | | destructive. |
| function in society. | | | | |
| | | | With inattentive attention deficit disorder, |
| The interesting thing about this disorder is | | | | or ADD, the person suffering from it will |
| that sufferers can pay attention very well to | | | | seem spacey and disorganized. Most often, |
| things that are new, very stimulating, | | | | sufferers with this type will be staring out |
| interesting or upsetting. These events | | | | the window during classes and will appear as |
| provide enough stimulation in and of | | | | if they are never quite present. This form |
| themselves that they activate the part of the | | | | of ADD is much more difficult to diagnose, |
| brain that enables concentration; people with | | | | and many sufferers go years without even |
| ADD need this in order to focus, as they do | | | | knowing they have it. |
| not have enough adrenaline. | | | | |
| | | | What about Adult ADD? For many years, ADHD |
| What is the difference between ADD and ADHD? | | | | was thought to be a disorder suffered by |
| | | | children, and more specifically, one only |
| Attention Deficit Disorder is a very complex, | | | | found in young boys. With the evolvement of |
| and often times misunderstood, disorder. Its | | | | medical technology and research, it has |
| basis is physiological, but it can have a | | | | become clear that many children with ADD do |
| host of ramifications that come along with | | | | not outgrow it as they become adults. |