| Today, we see children and adults dealing with | | | | dealing with shyness although the person with ADHD |
| disorders known as Attention | | | | will more commonly havebehavioral problems that the |
| Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit | | | | person with ADD does not have. |
| Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Forthe individual living | | | | Now that you know the similarities between the two |
| with either chronic neurobiological disorder, life can | | | | disorders, we want to addressthe primary differences |
| bemore than challenging. The confusion comes into | | | | between ADD and ADHD. |
| play when the two terms (ADD and | | | | ADD |
| ADHD) are interchanged. While there are similarities, | | | | With ADD, males and females, children and adults can |
| each represents somethingunique and its own set of | | | | develop this disorderalthough new studies are now |
| obstacles. In this article, we will address thedifferences | | | | suggesting boys have it more than girls do. |
| between ADD and ADHD to help you better | | | | Justremember that when it comes to the differences |
| understand each. | | | | between ADD and ADHD, a very fineline separates |
| Again, while there are distinct differences between | | | | the two, again making it difficult to diagnose and |
| ADD and ADHD, you will oftenhear the terms "ADD" | | | | sometimes,treat. The following characteristics are |
| and "ADHD" used to refer to one or both. Because of | | | | specific to ADD. |
| so manysimilarities, many people will simply use "ADD" | | | | · Bonds well with people but does not attract |
| as a means of describing both,which only leads to | | | | friends |
| additional problems. Because the two disorders share | | | | · Docile |
| many ofthe same symptoms and problems, separating | | | | · Honors another person's boundaries |
| them into two unique disorders andobtaining a | | | | · Modest |
| confirmed diagnosis can be difficult. | | | | · Obedient |
| As you will see below, there are more differences | | | | · Overly polite |
| between ADD and ADHD than youmight think but | | | | · Shy |
| even so, ADHD has the "H" factor of hyperactivity. | | | | · Sluggish |
| Because thehyperactivity is seen sooner by physical | | | | · Socially withdrawn |
| and emotional displays or outbursts, | | | | · Under-assertive |
| ADHD is usually diagnosed much quicker. For the | | | | ADHD |
| person with ADD, this adds tothe frustration of often | | | | When it comes to differences between ADD and |
| seeing a multitude of doctors and being given | | | | ADHD, for ADHD, you would add inthe factor of |
| manyunneeded prescription drugs all in trying to | | | | hyperactive behavior. That means the person with |
| determine the cause for theproblem. | | | | ADHD would havethe common characteristics as |
| First, we want to address the similarities of the two | | | | seen above for ADD but in addition, would battlethe |
| disorders and then we willoutline the distinct | | | | following symptoms. |
| differences between ADD and ADHD. | | | | · Attracts friends but does not bond easily |
| · Difficulty with completing tasks | | | | · Bossy |
| · Difficulty with relationships | | | | · Hyperactivity |
| · Easily distracted | | | | · Impulsiveness |
| · Emotional problems | | | | · Intrusiveness |
| · Forgetfulness | | | | · Irritating |
| · Frequently forgetting terms | | | | · Rebellion |
| · Poor academic performance | | | | · Show-off or egotistical |
| · Lack of organizational skills | | | | As you look at the differences between ADD and |
| Now, it is important to understand that if a child oradult | | | | ADHD, just remind yourself thatthe key in both cases |
| is diagnosedwith ADHD that does not automatically | | | | is early diagnosis so the proper treatment can |
| mean the condition is worse than whatthe person with | | | | beprovided. Whether on medication or undergoing |
| ADD is experiencing. In fact, both ADD and ADHD | | | | some type of therapy, the righttype of treatment can |
| create problemsspecific to being emotionally | | | | give a child or adult with ADD or ADHD a new lease |
| withdrawn, lacking motivation, often drifting off,and | | | | onlife. |