ADD Vs ADHD - Sorting Out the Confusion

If you have an alphabet kid, he or she may have beenADHD Hyperactive /Impulsive where constant motion,
labeled with ADD or ADHD, OCD, Aspergers, NLDhyperactivity and impulsive behavior dominate. The
(non verbal learning disorder) or a host of the so-calledthird type is the ADHD Combined subtype where both
co-morbid disorders which pediatricians are so fond ofthe symptoms of the first two subtypes are present.
using. But is there a difference between ADD vsThe advantage of this subdivision is that there is no
ADHD? The short answer is no. So, thankfully, that islonger any need for the definition ADD as it seems it
one less acronym we have to deal with. But the ADDhas now been pensioned off, so in a way there is less
vs ADHD confusion, how did this come about?confusion with just having ADHD sorted into three
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) was first used aboutsubtypes. The only problem is however that the
thirty years ago. Because it was observed that manyumbrella term has 'hyperactivity' in it to describe the
children fidget constantly and are hyperactive whilefirst subtype where no hyperactivity is actually present
adults multi task, it was felt that there was somethingso in that sense, it is a misnomer. Everyone is waiting
missing in the definition. That was in 1994 and theto see if the new edition of DSM (Edition V) will
definition was then changed to ADHD (attention deficitaddress this issue or not and finally bury the ADD vs
hyperactivity disorder) as more and more had beenADHD debate!
discovered about ADHD/ADD differences.Well, although the ADD vs ADHD confusion has been
It was about the same period that the DSM -IVsorted out, the problem of treatment for ADHD has
(Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)not and there is now so much controversy surrounding
which is the handbook recommended by most medicalADHD medications that it is a minefield for any parent
bodies such as the American Psychiatric Associationentering it. I have one simple rule and that is to look at
was changed to reflect this and to put an end to theall the options carefully.
ADD vs ADHD confusion.But the drug companies are actually campaigning
This handbook is now used by most practitioners inactively to make sure that the ADHD homeopathic
the field. ADHD is now the umbrella term and is dividedlobby is discredited. That is unfair and that is why I urge
into three types which perhaps more accuratelyall parents to look at ADHD homeopathic remedies
describe this mental condition.with an open mind. The great advantage is that there
The first type is known as ADHD - primarily inattentiveare no side effects and no health risks at all. Why not
subtype where inattention, distraction, problems inclick through to get more information on this
finishing tasks and short attention span are theinexpensive and effective option.
predominant symptoms. The second type is known as