ADD vs. ADHD

Can someone explain the differences to me? Any books or literature you recommend reading for more info?

Re: ADD vs. ADHD

In simple terms, ADD is Attention Deficit Disorder. THe child may have, to varying degrees, difficulty paying attention, focusing, or staying with one task. THey may seem easily distractable.

ADHD is Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The child will have, to varying degrees, difficulty attending, but in addition they will appear very active, maybe have a hard time sitting still, might seem "into everything."

These are FAR from clinical definitions, and off the top of my head, but I hope I could give you a rough idea of the difference

Re: ADD vs. ADHD

There is actually NO clinical diagnosis of ADD.

ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. One can be diagnosed with ADHD - Inattentive Type, ADHD - Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, or ADHD-Combined Type.

ADHD-Inattentive Type, is more what one would think of as ADD. It would be someone who can sit still, but has trouble keeping focused and concentrating. A child with this type would have difficulty completing school work.

Someone with Hyperactive-Impulsive type would have difficulty staying still. You would see a high level of motor activity, and poor impulse control.

Combined type would obviously be symptoms of both types.

Here is a good explanation of the different types of ADHD

Re: ADD vs. ADHD

In a nutshell, it's the "H" hyperactive part that separates them. Mine is also not the clinical definition (obviously!) but that is the big difference. There are many ADD children who are lethargic. There are also a few components to each. My DS has ADHD and he is not really inattentive, he's not really hyperactive but he is impulsive, which is one of the components that falls under ADHD, not ADD so much. In some situations he is easily distractable and in some situations, he gets hyper but his "issue" is mostly his impulsiveness (not thinking before acting).

HTH

ETA: I would go to the library and pick out a few books that are broad and easy reads. There will be a lot of books on the subject - there's even a "Dummy's guide" out there - but flip through, some are comprehensive and easy to understand without having to get into a deep analysis of it. I found those most helpful when first researching it. Sorry I don't have a specific title for you.

Message edited 6/10/2010 10:22:40 AM.

Re: ADD vs. ADHD

I didnt have time to read all that was written here. But I just went through this with my daughter.

One place said it was ADD and a more updated place said the DSM no longer says ADD they call it ADHD. She was severe ADD six months ago.

She is no longer Diagnoised ADD. But borderline ADHD. Hope I didnt confuse you. But in terms of the difference one is with the hyperactive one is with out. Just depends where you get diagnoised I guess.

Re: ADD vs. ADHD

I know I have had to confuse you on that. But it seems everybody has an oppionion. See we went to the school nurse and she said my daughter didnt have Lice.

I knew she had something going on. A week later here comes lice. Anyhow. I also was told from the school nurse not to use something afterwards.

But then from a teacher I was told to use the quit nits afterwards. I called the dr and he said either way.

See what I mean. Its all different theories and methods. Just wanted to make it clear.

Re: ADD vs. ADHD

P.S. I do tons of research and used some research based methods and some not. Now that I have had my son on the GFCF diet for Autism and lately I havent. I am not sure what to think.