What's the Difference Between ADD and ADHD?
You’ve heard both terms for years, but no one’s ever really explained them. Now you’re left wondering: what’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?
The confusion isn’t your fault. The language has changed, the criteria have evolved. This guide breaks down the difference so you can discuss your diagnosis with confidence and determine the next steps.
ADD vs. ADHD
People often use the terms ADD and ADHD interchangeably, but they’re not the same.
ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder, was the older term used to describe individuals who struggled with focus and inattention but didn’t show signs of hyperactivity.
Today, ADHD, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is the official medical term. It includes inattentive symptoms, hyperactive symptoms, or a mix of both. In other words, what was once labeled ADD is now considered one of the presentations of ADHD.
If you’ve always related to being “easily distracted” but not hyper, you’re not misdiagnosed. You’re simply falling under the ADHD inattentive type.
Does ADD Exist Anymore?
Technically, ADD doesn’t exist anymore as a formal diagnosis. The term was phased out when ADHD became the umbrella name in the most recent diagnostic guidelines.
That said, many people, including adults who were first diagnosed years ago, still use ADD to describe their experience. The language has changed, but the symptoms are real, and the need for support is the same.
Signs of ADHD
ADHD isn’t just about being “hyper” or “distracted.” It manifests in daily life in ways that are frustrating, confusing, and sometimes exhausting. For adults, it may look like missing deadlines at work, forgetting appointments, or struggling to stay organized, no matter how hard you try. For children, it may show up as restlessness in class, trouble following directions, or frequent daydreaming.
The common thread is difficulty with attention regulation, impulse control, and managing tasks. These symptoms aren’t due to laziness or lack of willpower. They’re rooted in the way the brain processes focus, motivation, and reward.
When left untreated, ADHD symptoms affect school performance, job stability, relationships, and even self-esteem. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward real support and relief.
3 Types of ADHD
ADHD shows up differently depending on the balance of your symptoms. There are three recognized types of ADHD: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. Let’s take a look at each type in more detail.
#1: ADHD Inattentive
This type is what many people used to call ADD. It doesn’t involve hyperactivity but instead centers on difficulty sustaining focus and following through on tasks.
Symptoms of Predominantly Inattentive Presentation ADHD
Struggles to stay focused during work, school, or conversations
Frequently makes careless mistakes or overlooks details
Appears distracted or daydreams often
Has trouble organizing tasks or managing time
Avoids tasks that require sustained mental effort
Often loses items like keys, papers, or phones
#2: ADHD Hyperactive-Impulsive
This type of ADHD is marked by high energy, restlessness, and acting before thinking. It’s the form most people picture when they hear “ADHD.”
Symptoms of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity Presentation ADHD
Restlessness, often fidgeting, or unable to stay seated
Talks excessively or interrupts frequently
Struggles to wait their turn in conversations or activities
Has difficulty playing or engaging in quiet activities
Acts without considering consequences
Feels “driven by a motor,” always on the go
#3: ADHD Combined Type
The combined type includes symptoms of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive presentations. It’s the most common form of ADHD and can affect multiple areas of life.
Symptoms of Combined Presentation ADHD
Inattention and distractibility disrupt daily functioning
Restlessness or hyperactivity that others notice easily
Impulsivity that affects work, school, or relationships
Difficulty with time management and follow-through
Emotional dysregulation, including frustration or irritability
The Process of ADHD Diagnosis by an ADHD Expert
Getting an ADHD diagnosis isn’t as simple as filling out a checklist. It requires a careful and thorough evaluation that looks at your entire story, not just your symptoms in the moment.
The process starts with a detailed clinical interview. I’ll ask about your history, daily struggles, strengths, and how symptoms show up across different areas of life. For children, this often includes input from parents and teachers. For adults, we talk through your work, relationships, and patterns that have persisted over time.
Standardized rating scales and assessments are also used. These tools give structure to the evaluation and help compare your experiences to established diagnostic criteria. Sometimes additional medical testing is needed to rule out other conditions that mimic ADHD, such as thyroid problems, anxiety, or sleep disorders.
A clear diagnosis is essential, not only for validating your experience but also for guiding treatment. When you know what you’re dealing with, you can take steps that actually work for your brain, instead of blaming yourself for patterns you can’t control.
Effective Treatment Options for ADHD
The most effective plans combine medical support, therapy, lifestyle changes, and family involvement. In my practice, treatment is always personalized to fit your specific symptoms, goals, and daily life.
Medication Management
Medication and supplements are often one of the most effective tools for managing ADHD symptoms. Stimulants and non-stimulants can improve focus, reduce impulsivity, and calm restlessness. The key is finding the right medication and dose for your brain and body.
Behavioral Therapy
Therapy helps address the patterns that medication alone can’t shift. Behavioral therapy teaches practical strategies for organization, time management, and emotional regulation. It’s especially helpful for building long-term habits that support success at school, work, and home.
Family Support
ADHD affects more than the individual; it impacts the entire family system. Parent coaching, family therapy, and education give loved ones the tools they need to offer a consistent, supportive structure. When the family understands ADHD, the stress at home decreases for everyone.
Lifestyle Adjustments
Daily routines play a huge role in ADHD management. Exercise, sleep, and nutrition all affect attention and mood regulation. Mindfulness practices, reduced screen time, and structured routines can also help. Lifestyle changes may seem small, but when paired with other treatments, they make a significant difference.
Should You Get Treatment for Your ADHD?
If ADHD is disrupting your life, treatment isn’t optional; it’s necessary. The condition affects more than focus. It impacts relationships, career growth, finances, and even physical health when stress builds over time.
For children, untreated ADHD often shows up as falling grades, constant redirection in class, and frustration at home. For adults, it looks like missed deadlines, impulsive decisions, or the exhaustion of always trying harder but never feeling caught up.
Getting help isn’t about labeling yourself. It’s about reclaiming your energy and using strategies that match how your brain actually works. The right treatment will give you the stability and clarity you’ve been missing.
As discussed throughout this article, there is more than one way to treat ADHD. Through medication management or root cause care, you can equip yourself with the right tools to manage your ADHD effectively.
