| In this article titled “ADHD vs ADD” we will first | | | | Now let’s move back to our topic of ADHD vs |
| explore the many names which this condition has been | | | | ADD. We have determined that these are in fact the |
| called over the years and then work to explain the | | | | same condition but most people still associate one as |
| differences between ADHD vs ADD. | | | | having hyperactivity and one not having hyperactivity. |
| Sometimes it is pretty amazing how the evolution of | | | | In other words a person with ADHD likely has |
| research deals with theories once thought to be | | | | inattention/distractibility and impulsivity but not |
| absolute which are ultimately proven to absolutely | | | | hyperactivity. |
| wrong or incomplete. Never has there been a better | | | | Some of the misunderstanding revolved around a |
| example than with attention deficit hyperactivity | | | | number of different factors including adults with ADHD |
| disorder. Let’s briefly cover the five name changes | | | | who failed to show signs of hyperactivity and women |
| which have occurred in recent years. | | | | who were denied a diagnosis because they didn’t |
| Hyperactivity of Childhood: First noted in the first edition | | | | fit into the mold for being hyperactive. |
| of the APA’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of | | | | What we now know is that hyperactive behavior in |
| Mental Disorders (DSM). | | | | adults doesn’t go away it simply morphs into a |
| Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood: Noted in the | | | | more socially acceptable form. For instance a |
| second edition of the DSM. | | | | hyperactive child may become an adult that fidgets |
| Attention Deficit Disorder With or Without Hyperactivity | | | | constantly but has learned to stay seated for an |
| (ADD): This name was introduced in the third edition of | | | | undetermined period of time. |
| the DSM and is still used outside the doctor and | | | | In women the story is a little bit different. For years |
| specialist community. | | | | young girls, adolescents, and adult women were only |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): The | | | | thought to have ADHD in very rare instances. Now |
| third edition of the DSM was revised change ADD to | | | | we know this is not true. While a ten to one ratio of |
| ADHD. | | | | boys to girls was once considered the norm now it is |
| Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD): The | | | | down to about three to one and dropping annually. |
| fourth edition of the DSM added the backslash. | | | | One reason for this is hyperactive behavior in females |
| What we see is as research catches up with | | | | is channeled into excessive and some would say |
| speculation the name evolves. This trend will likely | | | | endless talking. |
| continue with biological conclusions and brain scan | | | | While the story of ADHD vs ADD is fascinating, one |
| technology advancing at such a rapid rate. As we | | | | should not lose sight of the fact that while hyperactive |
| speculate into the future some experts believe that | | | | behavior is only present 50 percent of the time it can |
| attention deficit hyperactivity disorder will be broken | | | | be one of the most obvious and detrimental |
| down into a number of different disorders or at the | | | | symptoms. |
| very least subtypes. | | | | |