Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are terms often used to describe a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by symptoms related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. However, there are some distinctions between the two:
ADD Historically, ADD referred to a condition where individuals primarily experienced inattention without significant hyperactivity. This term is no longer widely used in clinical settings.
ADHD is the current and more comprehensive term used in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is ADHD. It encompasses various presentations, including those with or without prominent hyperactivity. Overall, the primary difference lies in the presence of hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are not present in the older concept of ADD but are a key component of ADHD.