Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCharacteristicsADD vs. ADHDADD DiagnosisTreatment

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Table of Contents

Characteristics

ADD vs. ADHD

ADD Diagnosis

Treatment

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Without proper support and accommodation, people with ADHD may struggle with tasks like paying attention to instructions, focusing on schoolwork, keeping up with assignments, following instructions, and completing tasks.

In theDiagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), this condition is officially known as “attentional deficit/hyperactivity disorder, predominantly inattentive presentation.”

Characteristics of ADD (Inattentive Type ADHD)

People with the inattentive type of ADHD struggle to pay attention or stay focused for long periods of time. Some of the characteristics of this neurotype include:

Children with ADHD without the hyperactivity component may appear to be bored or disinterested in classroom activities. They may be prone to daydreaming or forgetfulness, work slowly, and turn in incomplete work.

Their assignments, desks, and lockers may look disorganized. They may lose materials at school and at home or misplace schoolwork and fail to turn in assignments. This can frustrate teachers and parents, who often mislabel this as a behavioral issue. This results in children earning poor marks in class and not getting the support they need.

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ADD Characteristics in Kids vs. Teens vs. Adults

While ADD characteristics change as people age, teens and adults will likely continue to experience symptoms such as lack of attention, difficulty remembering information, and trouble with organization.

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ADD vs. ADHD: What’s the Difference?

While many people continue to use the terms ADD and ADHD interchangeably, it’s important to recognize that they are not the same. Here are some key points to be aware of:

ADD (inattentive type ADHD) doesn’t manifest in the same way that predominantly hyperactive-impulsive or combined types do. Children with these presentations have different traits.

Children with the other two presentations of ADHD, for example, tend to have more challenges managing symptoms in classroom settings. Kids with this neurotype are sometimes labeled as having disciplinary problems when they are not provided the appropriate support and accommodations.

Children with inattentive type ADHD are generally not disruptive in school. They may even sit quietly in class, but that doesn’t mean they’re not struggling to focus. In addition, not all children with inattentive type ADHD are alike.

Children with combined type ADHD display several symptoms of both hyperactive-impulsive type and inattentive type.

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If you are curious about whether your child has ADHD, talk to your child’s school counselor, teacher, or physician about appropriate treatment. If you have any questions, begin these discussions today. Earlier support and accommodation can ensure that your child experiences fewer disruptions.

Your child’s pediatrician may recommend seeing achild psychologistwho can further evaluate your child to see if your child fits the criteria for ADHD and, if so, what traits they have and what type of support they may need. Not only can this evaluation help differentiate ADHD from other issues that may be causing difficulty with schoolwork, but it can be used to follow a child’s response to accommodations over time.

Depending on your child’s symptoms, they may be diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD, impulsive-hyperactive type ADHD, or combined type ADHD.

Primarily Inattentive ADHD (Previously ADD)

When people use the term ADD, they are likely referring to this type of ADHD. Some of the characteristics that someone with this type might experience include forgetfulness, problems with organization, difficulty listening, and lack of focus.

To be diagnosed with this type, a person must display six of the following nine symptoms:

Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

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Combined Type ADHD

This presentation of ADHD involves exhibiting symptoms of both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive types. To be diagnosed with this type of ADHD, a person must display six or more inattention symptoms and six or more hyperactive-impulsive ADHD symptoms.

Inattentive Type ADHD in GirlsWhileADHD occurs in boysand girls at similar rates, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. Boys may be more likely to exhibit externalizing characteristics of the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD, increasing the diagnosis rate since such symptoms tend to be more disruptive.Girls tend to show more internalizing characteristics of ADHD, which may make it more difficult to spot, contributing to underdiagnosis.

Inattentive Type ADHD in Girls

WhileADHD occurs in boysand girls at similar rates, boys are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition. Boys may be more likely to exhibit externalizing characteristics of the hyperactive-impulsive type of ADHD, increasing the diagnosis rate since such symptoms tend to be more disruptive.Girls tend to show more internalizing characteristics of ADHD, which may make it more difficult to spot, contributing to underdiagnosis.

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Treatment for ADD (Inattentive ADHD)

While ADHD is considered a disability, it is important to note that this is because we live in a society based on neurotypical expectations. However, it is not a condition that requires a “cure.” Instead, it is aform of neurodivergence. It is essential to recognize this and offer people the right support and accommodations to help them thrive.

ADHD support often involves medications, classroom accommodations, and parent support. The type of treatment chosen depends on the child’s needs and characteristics. Some may need no treatment with suitable accommodations, but there is also nothing wrong with taking medications if needed or desired.

Medications

ADHD is often treated with one of three types ofmedication: psychostimulants, antidepressants, or non-stimulant drugs.These medicationscan help children with inattentive type ADHD (ADD) stay on task and focused.

As with any medication, there are common side effects. Psychostimulants, antidepressants, and non-stimulants can cause dizziness, loss of appetite, upset stomach, and more. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice that your child is experiencing any unusual symptoms.

Therapy and Support

Whether or not parents choose medication, other support and accommodations can help children developing newcoping skillsand better understand their neurotype.

Often, a combination ofvarious methodsis used, including:

Lifestyle Changes

Many people find that holistic methods are effective at managing some characteristics of ADHD in children. Engaging in regularphysical exercisehas been shown to boost mood, improve attention and executive functioning in adults and children with ADHD.

Studies have shownimproved focusand emotional regulation in people with ADHD after they practicedyoga.

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A Word From Verywell

If you think that your child may have “ADD,” it is important to talk to your child’s doctor about inattentive type ADHD. Effective support strategies are available that can help kids with inattention, and offering support earlier can help kids develop their strengths and thrive.

Some parents fear the stigma associated with getting their child evaluated for ADHD. It’s important to talk to your child so that they know that everyone has different skills and abilities. By getting treatment, you can help your child develop new skills and better understand their strenghts.

I Think I Have ADHD: What to Do and Where to Go

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Cabral MDI, Liu S, Soares N.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, risk factors and evaluation in youth.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S104-S113. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.09.08Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.McGough JJ.Treatment controversies in adult ADHD.AJP.2016;173(10):960-966. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15091207Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects.Brain Behav. 2012;2(5):661-677. doi:10.1002/brb3.78Cleveland Clinic.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Therapy to improve children' mental health.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parent training in behavior management for ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD in the classroom: Helping children succeed in school.Pfiffner LJ, Haack LM.Behavior management for school-aged children with ADHD.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014;23(4):731-746. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.05.014Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, Müller HHO, Braun N, Philipsen A.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2020;7:1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2Chou CC, Huang CJ.Effects of an 8-week yoga program on sustained attention and discrimination function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.PeerJ. 2017;5:e2883. doi:10.7717/peerj.2883

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Cabral MDI, Liu S, Soares N.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, risk factors and evaluation in youth.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S104-S113. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.09.08Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.McGough JJ.Treatment controversies in adult ADHD.AJP.2016;173(10):960-966. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15091207Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects.Brain Behav. 2012;2(5):661-677. doi:10.1002/brb3.78Cleveland Clinic.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Therapy to improve children' mental health.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parent training in behavior management for ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD in the classroom: Helping children succeed in school.Pfiffner LJ, Haack LM.Behavior management for school-aged children with ADHD.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014;23(4):731-746. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.05.014Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, Müller HHO, Braun N, Philipsen A.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2020;7:1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2Chou CC, Huang CJ.Effects of an 8-week yoga program on sustained attention and discrimination function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.PeerJ. 2017;5:e2883. doi:10.7717/peerj.2883

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.Cabral MDI, Liu S, Soares N.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, risk factors and evaluation in youth.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S104-S113. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.09.08Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.McGough JJ.Treatment controversies in adult ADHD.AJP.2016;173(10):960-966. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15091207Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects.Brain Behav. 2012;2(5):661-677. doi:10.1002/brb3.78Cleveland Clinic.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Therapy to improve children' mental health.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parent training in behavior management for ADHD.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD in the classroom: Helping children succeed in school.Pfiffner LJ, Haack LM.Behavior management for school-aged children with ADHD.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014;23(4):731-746. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.05.014Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, Müller HHO, Braun N, Philipsen A.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2020;7:1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2Chou CC, Huang CJ.Effects of an 8-week yoga program on sustained attention and discrimination function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.PeerJ. 2017;5:e2883. doi:10.7717/peerj.2883

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. American Psychiatric Association; 2013.

Cabral MDI, Liu S, Soares N.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, risk factors and evaluation in youth.Transl Pediatr. 2020;9(Suppl 1):S104-S113. doi:10.21037/tp.2019.09.08

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of ADHD.

McGough JJ.Treatment controversies in adult ADHD.AJP.2016;173(10):960-966. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2016.15091207

Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A.Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects.Brain Behav. 2012;2(5):661-677. doi:10.1002/brb3.78

Cleveland Clinic.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Therapy to improve children' mental health.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parent training in behavior management for ADHD.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ADHD in the classroom: Helping children succeed in school.

Pfiffner LJ, Haack LM.Behavior management for school-aged children with ADHD.Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2014;23(4):731-746. doi:10.1016/j.chc.2014.05.014

Mehren A, Reichert M, Coghill D, Müller HHO, Braun N, Philipsen A.Physical exercise in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - evidence and implications for the treatment of borderline personality disorder.Borderline Personal Disord Emot Dysregul. 2020;7:1. doi:10.1186/s40479-019-0115-2

Chou CC, Huang CJ.Effects of an 8-week yoga program on sustained attention and discrimination function in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.PeerJ. 2017;5:e2883. doi:10.7717/peerj.2883

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