Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a term used for people who have excessive difficulties with concentration without the presence of other ADHD symptoms such as excessive impulsiveness or hyperactivity. The official term from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV is “ADHD of the predominantly inattentive type”. However, in practice, ADD is a much more appropriate term. In 1994, doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," or ADHD, even if the person wasnt hyperactive. The latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) divides ADHD into three types: ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation (what used to be called ADD), ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and ADHD combined presentation (both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms).

To be diagnosed with ADD, a child under age 16 must have 6 or more symptoms of inattention (5 or more for older teens) for at least 6 consecutive months but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity. The symptoms include trouble paying attention, easily sidetracked, doesnt like or avoids long mental tasks (such as homework), trouble staying on task during school, at home, or even at play, disorganized and seems forgetful.

It is important to note that ADD is an outdated term and no longer a medical diagnosis, though it is often still used to refer to a certain subset of symptoms that fall under the umbrella term, ADHD.