Attention Deficit Disorder is a very complex, and often times
misunderstood, disorder. Its basis is physiological, but it can have a
host of ramifications that come along with it. That aside, what are the
differences between ADD and ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit
Hyperactive Disorder, with the main symptoms being visible
hyperactivity and/or impulsivity. These are the symptoms that
stand out to the objective observer. ADD stands for Attention
Deficit Disorder with the main symptoms being inattention. Now
many other things can come along with both of these subtypes of ADHD,
but those are the distinguishing features of both.
For many years, the typical picture of Attention Deficit Disorder has
been the little boy that is bouncing off the walls and driving his
teachers and parents crazy. ADHD is by far the most diagnosed of
the two subtypes because it is so much more visible than ADD. Since
hyperactivity creates a lot more distraction and problems for
classrooms, it gets the most attention and will be picked up on a lot
faster. Unfortunately, even though ADD is less invisible, the results
of the disorder can just as destructive.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disordes
With inattentive attention deficit disorder, or ADD, the person
suffering from it will seem spacey and disorganized. Most often,
sufferers with this type will be staring out the window during classes
and will appear as if they are never quite present. It is much
more difficult to diagnose and many people with this form of ADD go
years without even knowing they have it. But the results of the
wandering mind can be just as destructive.
For many years, it was thought that only boys had ADHD. This myth
has been shattered recently, though. It is now known that both
boys and girls can have attention deficit disorder, and many do not
grow out of it in adulthood. One difference that has been noted is that
girls tend to have the inattentive version of ADD, and many times it is
misdiagnosed as depression. Because inattentive ADD does not
cause obvious problems and distractions to the surrounding environment,
many suffer in silence for years before they find out the real cause of
their troubles.
With both ADHD and ADD, diagnosis early is very important.
Although problems with academics is the most obvious symptom, some
sufferers do not have significant issues with getting school work
done. Keep track of your children, not just academically, but
socially and emotionally as well. Do they have trouble with other
children? Does it seem as if they have trouble organizing or are
excessively messy? Do they have trouble sitting still for a period of
time? Are they excessively quiet or excessively talkative? Now any of
these symptoms do not specifically signify ADD or ADHD, but they do
point to asking for outside help from a counselor or therapist. Your
child's psychological health is just as important as their physical
health and how they do in school. Check it out if you feel like
something is off. If left for years undiagnosed, ADD can cause
lots of other secondary problems that can take a long time to undo and
can be prevented.
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