Is add the same as adhd
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Understanding the Differences Between ADD and ADHD
Introduction to ADD and ADHD
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are terms often used interchangeably, but they refer to different manifestations of attention-related issues. Both conditions are characterized by difficulties in maintaining attention, but ADHD includes additional symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity.
Diagnostic Criteria and Evolution
DSM Criteria and Diagnostic Changes
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has evolved in its criteria for diagnosing these conditions. Initially, the DSM-III used the term Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADDH), which later evolved into ADHD in the DSM-III-R. This change broadened the criteria to include children who were hyperactive and impulsive but not necessarily inattentive1. The DSM-IV reintroduced the distinction between inattentive type (ADD) and combined type (ADHD), which has led to an increase in diagnoses3.
Cognitive Control and Attentional Selection
Research has shown that ADHD and ADD may involve different stages of attentional control. For instance, adolescents with ADD exhibit an attenuated attentional blink, indicating early-stage attentional control issues, whereas those with ADHD-combined type show greater weaknesses in response inhibition, a late-stage control issue2.
Prevalence and Global Perspective
Worldwide Prevalence
ADHD is a common behavioral disorder affecting approximately 5% of children globally, with similar prevalence rates in the USA and other countries4 5. The term ADD, although less commonly used today, still represents a significant subset of children who primarily exhibit inattentiveness without hyperactivity.
Underdiagnosis and Misdiagnosis
Despite its prevalence, ADHD is often underdiagnosed, especially in girls and older children. This underdiagnosis can lead to untreated symptoms and associated risks such as academic underachievement, difficulties in employment, and criminality5.
Symptomatology and Impact
Visual Symptoms and Quality of Life
Children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD often report more visual system dysfunctions compared to their non-ADD/ADHD peers. These dysfunctions can affect their quality of life despite ongoing medical treatment6.
Executive Function Impairments
ADD/ADHD is fundamentally a cognitive disorder involving impairments in executive functions (EFs). These impairments manifest as chronic difficulties in executing daily tasks, which can be effectively treated once recognized7.
Academic Performance
Studies have shown that children with ADD (inattentive type) tend to have lower math achievement scores compared to those with ADHD, suggesting that inattention significantly interferes with the ability to master abstract concepts like arithmetic8.
Treatment and Management
Pharmacological Interventions
Pharmacological treatments, including stimulants like methylphenidate and amphetamines, are commonly used to manage ADHD symptoms. These treatments have shown large effect sizes in short-term trials and are generally well-tolerated10. However, there is a need for ongoing research to improve these strategies and develop new medications.
Special Considerations in Athletes
Athletes with ADHD face unique challenges, including the overlap of ADHD symptoms with those of concussions. Treatment with stimulants must be carefully managed due to potential cardiovascular effects and the risk of heat illness9.
Conclusion
While ADD and ADHD share common features of inattention, they differ significantly in terms of hyperactivity and impulsivity. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Ongoing research and evolving diagnostic criteria continue to refine our understanding of these conditions, ultimately improving outcomes for affected individuals.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Are ADDH and ADHD the same or different?
ADHD and ADDH criteria are nearly identical, but a new group of hyperactive and impulsive children who are less clearly inattentive also meet ADHD criteria.
Observational StudyCognitive Control and Attentional Selection in Adolescents with ADHD Versus ADD
ADHD in adolescents is related to early-stage attentional control mechanisms, while ADD-combined shows greater weakness in response inhibition.
Observational StudyAttention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder in a life perspective
Adult ADHD is a common mental disorder with recurrent brief depression, highlighting the need for thorough assessment and treatment planning.
The worldwide prevalence of ADHD: is it an American condition?
ADHD prevalence is as high in many non-US children as in US children, challenging the belief that it is primarily an American disorder.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedADHD in children and young people: prevalence, care pathways, and service provision.
ADHD in children and adolescents is under-recognized and underdiagnosed, with a global prevalence of 2% to 7%, but timely recognition and treatment can improve long-term outcomes.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedA comparison of the visual symptoms between ADD/ADHD and normal children.
ADD/ADHD children, even with current medical treatment, exhibit more visual and quality of life symptoms than age-matched non-ADD/ADHD children.
ADD/ADHD and impaired executive function in clinical practice
ADD/ADHD is a cognitive disorder characterized by impaired executive functions, involving chronic difficulties in executing various daily tasks, and can be effectively treated in clinical practice.
Highly CitedAcademic Underachievement in ADHD Subtypes
Students with attention-deficit disorder without hyperactivity (ADD/noH) show significantly lower math achievement test scores compared to those with ADHD, suggesting a distinct ADD subtype.
Observational StudyHighly CitedAttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Unique Considerations in Athletes
ADHD is common among athletes, and treatment is crucial for optimal quality of life, but stimulant use may increase heat illness risk and concussion recovery may be altered.
Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalEvidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents.
Pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents show large effect sizes and good tolerability, but more research and novel medications are needed for improved outcomes.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited