Understanding the Difference Between ADD vs ADHD

Understanding ADHD is an essential first step for kids and adults who live with it. It helps to understand the challenges as well as the unique potential that comes with this condition. Let’s explore the difference between ADD vs ADHD, common ADHD symptoms, and how symptoms can appear for kids vs. adults. 

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly known as ADD, is a chronic neurological condition. This condition is often characterized by:

• Hyperactivity in behavior or thinking
• Inattention or attention difficulties  
• Impulsivity

People without ADHD may experience one or more of these symptoms in their lifetimes. But for those with ADHD, these symptoms are notable because they’re persistent, long-term, and cause challenges.   

There are three common subtypes of ADHD for adults and children:

• Predominantly inattentive (sometimes referred to as ADD)
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive
• Combination type

As a chronic condition, ADHD can continue well into adulthood and affects millions of kids and adults alike. But ADHD also comes with unique gifts like energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and curiosity.

Getting the right support for ADHD symptoms and challenges, while embracing its “superpower” potential, can be a game-changer for all ages.

Let’s review the difference between ADD vs ADHD in a little more detail.

ADD vs ADHD: Understanding the 3 Different Subtypes 

ADHD is a well-documented diagnosis, with symptoms that vary enormously from person to person. These symptoms have been identified in kids as young as 3 and can appear well into adulthood.

To better understand ADD vs ADHD, let’s look at these two subtypes, as well as the third subtype: combined ADHD.

Inattentive ADHD

Inattentive ADHD, also referred to as ADD, is characterized by a pattern of inattention. Sometimes those with ADHD are described as having “their head in the clouds”. They’ll frequently exhibit many of the following ADHD symptoms:

• Failure to pay close attention to details, forgetful, and/or makes careless mistakes
• Appears not to listen, even when being spoken to directly, and/or even with no obvious distractions
• Has difficulty with activities or tasks that require frequent, sustained attention  
• Misplaces items
• Struggles to follow instructions or complete tasks
• Can’t meet deadlines, has challenges with keeping organizing during tasks
• Struggles with tidiness and disorganized thoughts
• Forgets to complete daily tasks or completes them improperly

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

Those with hyperactive ADHD often seem to have boundless energy. When trying to understand the difference between ADD vs ADHD, it helps to remember that this subtype is defined by hyperactivity and impulsivity. People who have it may demonstrate the following behaviors:

• Restless thoughts or runs in inappropriate situations
• Leaves their seat or demonstrates difficulty sitting still for sustained activities (homework, class, meals)
• Talks too much
• Has trouble working or playing quietly
• Struggles to wait their turn
• Interrupts other people in conversation or activities 
• Is highly energetic, constantly “on the go”

Combined Type  

For people with the combined subtype, it isn’t a simple matter of ADD vs ADHD. Instead, they show clear symptoms from each of the two subtypes.

At times, they may be caught up in their own thoughts and appear to be distracted. At other moments, they may be full of energy and excitement. This subtype is diagnosed by a combination of symptoms from inattentive ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. 

ADD vs ADHD in Adults

Many people make it to adulthood without being diagnosed with ADHD. For adults with ADHD, these symptoms can manifest differently, and may include the following:

• Frequent restlessness instead of hyperactivity
• Difficulty showing up on time
• Constant procrastination
• Impatience or heated temper
• Boredom
• Difficulty with organization and cleanliness
• Challenges at work or a pattern of job-hopping
• Difficulty sustaining lasting friendships or relationships

Strengthening Attention and Other Cognitive Skills

Our minds are capable of extraordinary things. We draw on our foundational cognitive skills every day in order to learn, think, read, and remember. These essential skills include logic, short-term memory, reasoning, and attention.

Just like our bodies can benefit from rigorous training and exertion, our minds can see gains from brain training, too. At LearningRx, we help adults and children with ADHD tap into their incredible potential

Brain training isn’t a diagnosis or treatment for ADHD. But past clients with ADHD who have completed our programs have seen incredible gains, including an average increase of 3.2 years in attention skills*.

Have you received a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD? Do you believe your child could benefit from brain training? We’re here to help. WIth brain training, we’ve helped countless children across the country tap into their strengths and hone their skills.

Whether you’re dealing with ADD vs ADHD, it’s time to discover the potential of brain training! Get in touch online or call 866-BRAIN-01 to schedule your brain skills assessment.

* Results based on research and/or surveys of past clients. You or your child may not achieve the same results. 

Disclaimer: LearningRx helps clients with ADHD by targeting and training cognitive skills such as attention, working memory, and processing speed. Please note that we do not diagnose ADHD, and brain training is not a cure for ADHD.