ADD vs. ADHD: Key Differences and Symptoms in Children and Adults

Understanding the differences between ADD and ADHD can feel overwhelming, especially when symptoms present differently in adults and children. While these terms are often used interchangeably, it may not be correct to do so. 

Whether you’re a parent concerned about your child’s behavior or an adult struggling to maintain focus, ADD or ADHD can significantly impact daily life. So, let’s find out more about the correct name and symptoms of the disorder that can evolve as we age.

Key Takeaways

• ADD is an outdated term, while ADHD is the current medical diagnosis with three presentations: Predominantly Inattentive, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive, and Combined Type.
• Children and adults require six or more symptoms for diagnosis. They need to present for 6+ months, onset before age 12, and impair functioning in at least 2 settings (school and work).
• ADHD symptoms manifest differently in children and adults – children show more obvious behavioral signs at school and home, while adults experience challenges in workplace organization, relationships, and their mental state. 
• Treatment approaches vary by age: children often receive lower medication doses and behavior management strategies, while adults typically get higher doses and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Executive function challenges affect 65-82% of individuals with ADHD, impacting time management, organization, and task completion differently across age groups.

What Is ADHD vs ADD: Difference and Symptoms

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an outdated term for ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Today, only “ADHD” is used to refer to the disorder.

Historical Evolution of ADD vs ADHD Terminology

The medical community introduced ADD in 1980 through the The American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-II, or DSM-II. In 1987 the term evolved into ADHD with the DSM-III-R revision combining attention deficit and hyperactivity into one diagnosis. The DSM-5 (2013) officially eliminated ADD, retaining ADHD with three presentations:

• Predominantly Inattentive
• Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
• Combined Type

Self-assessment is…

the first step in your diagnosis process. Schedule an appointment with a neurologist, mental health professional, or a general practitioner if your symptoms impair your daily functioning.

Core ADHD Symptoms and Diagnostic Criteria

The symptoms of the disorder fall into two main categories with specific behavioral markers:

Inattentive Symptoms:

• Overlooking details in task assignments.
• Struggling to maintain focus during lectures and conversations.
• Appearing distracted when spoken to directly.
• Leaving tasks incomplete or poorly organized.

Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms:

• Frequent fidgeting tapping movements.
• Difficulty remaining seated in appropriate situations.
• Excessive talking and interrupting others.
• Acting as if “driven by a motor” in various settings.

Combined ADHD Symptoms: 

A mix of symptoms from both ADHD types.

Did you know that…

These symptoms must cause significant impairment in two or more settings (social, academic, and occupational functioning) to warrant a diagnosis.

How ADHD Is Present in Children and Adults

Children with ADHD tend to display distinct behavioral patterns that become noticeable between ages 3 and 12, with symptoms affecting multiple areas of their daily lives. The manifestation of these symptoms varies based on the specific type of ADHD and the child’s environment.

Try to remember if you showed those signs in your childhood to present a doctor with a complete picture of the history of your symptoms’ evolution. 

Behavioral Patterns at Home and School

• Forgets routine tasks like brushing teeth unprompted.
• Loses personal items such as lunch boxes, backpacks, and books.
• Struggles to follow multi-step instructions such as cleaning their room or completing homework.
• Shows difficulty transitioning between activities like moving from playtime to mealtime.
• Exhibits frequent physical movement, including fidgeting, tapping, running, and climbing.
• Interrupts conversations, games, and activities of others.
• Demonstrates difficulty waiting their turn in structured activities and games.

Natural ADHD Relief Through Your Own Body

Get My Personal Plan

Academic and Social Challenges

• Misses important details in assignments, resulting in incomplete work.
• Makes careless mistakes in schoolwork such as math calculations and spelling.
• Struggles maintaining friendships due to impulsive reactions.
• Shows inconsistent academic performance across subjects and grading periods.
• Experiences difficulty working in group settings, following rules, and taking turns.
• Demonstrates challenges in organizing materials, assignments, and projects.
• Exhibits variable performance depending on interest level subject matter.

Adult Manifestations of ADHD

Adult ADHD symptoms transform from childhood presentations into distinct workplace challenges and social relationship impacts.

Workplace Impact and Relationships

Adults with predominantly inattentive ADHD experience these workplace challenges:

• Missing project deadlines due to poor time management.
• Overlooking crucial details in reports and emails.
• Struggling to maintain an organized workspace desk.
• Forgetting important meetings and appointments.

Adults with hyperactive-impulsive ADHD display:

• Interrupting colleagues during meetings and discussions.
• Difficulty remaining seated through long presentations.
• Making impulsive decisions without considering consequences.
• Switching between tasks before completion.

Coping Mechanisms and Adaptations

Adults with inattentive ADHD can develop the following strategies:

• Digital calendar reminders for appointments and tasks.
• Breaking large projects into smaller, manageable steps.
• Creating detailed to-do lists with specific deadlines.
• Using noise-canceling headphones to minimize distractions.
• Regular exercise breaks between work sessions.
• Standing desks and fidget tools for movement.
• Meditation mindfulness practices for impulse control.
• Recording meetings to review missed information.

Treatment Approaches Across Age Groups

Treatment strategies for ADHD vary significantly between children and adults, with approaches tailored to address age-specific symptoms and life demands. Effective management typically combines multiple treatment methods adapted to individual needs.

Medication Options for Children and Adults

Depending on the severity of symptoms, adults are prescribed different medication types by healthcare providers. However, only sometimes is medication used to treat ADHD in children.

Children and Teenagers (Ages 6-17)

• Stimulants (methylphenidate formulations):
  • Starting dose: 5-10mg daily
  • Available forms: immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, and extended-release capsules.
• Non-stimulants (atomoxetine, guanfacine):
  • Lower initial doses with gradual increases.
  • Monitoring of vital signs during dose adjustments.

Today, ADHD isn’t treated only with medications…

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting ADHD medication treatment only if behavioral therapy doesn’t show results. Doctors advise supplementing medication with natural remedies like yoga, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as it has scientific evidence to normalize brain functioning without side effects.

Adults (18+)

• Extended-release stimulants:
  • Starting dose: 10-20mg daily.
  • Higher maximum doses compared to children.
• Additional medication options:
  • Bupropion
  • Venlafaxine
  • Adult-specific formulations with longer duration

Non-Medical Treatment Strategies

1. Behavioral therapy includes therapeutic approaches that focus on modifying specific behaviors that are disruptive or causing challenges in daily life. One of the most widely used forms of behavioral therapy is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It helps individuals identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones, which can greatly benefit both kids and adults dealing with ADHD-related challenges. For instance, children struggling with impulse control might learn techniques to pause and consider the consequences of their actions before acting—an invaluable skill that carries over into adulthood.
2. Establishing a consistent daily routine can help create a structured environment that promotes focus and productivity. This might include setting specific times for homework, play, and chores for children, while adults can use planners, to-do lists, and time-management apps to maintain organization and prioritize tasks. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can also be effective, as they reduce feelings of overwhelm that often accompany larger projects.
3. Family involvement in the therapeutic process can enhance outcomes for individuals with ADHD. For children, parent training programs can equip caregivers with effective discipline strategies and positive reinforcement techniques that encourage desired behaviors. 
4. Support groups for both adults and children can also provide a community of understanding individuals who share similar experiences and challenges. Sharing struggles and triumphs with others can help reduce feelings of isolation and can provide valuable insights into effective coping mechanisms.
5. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep-breathing exercises, can improve focus and reduce anxiety, which often accompanies ADHD. By engaging in therapeutic practices that promote emotional regulation, people can better manage their symptoms and achieve a higher quality of life. Overall, the fusion of therapy and practical support strategies fosters an environment where individuals with ADHD can thrive, both as children and as adults.

Can I Live a Normal Life With ADHD?

ADHD is a manageable condition and, with proper understanding and medical and family support, you can develop effective coping mechanisms for yourself or help your child navigate their challenges. The key is recognizing that everyone’s experience is unique and finding the right combination of treatments that work best for your situation.

FAQ