ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an outdated term that refers to what is now classified as a subtype of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), specifically the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD

What is ADD?

• ADD is characterized mainly by difficulties with attention and concentration without the hyperactivity and impulsivity that are typical in other forms of ADHD

• People with ADD often appear calm, drowsy, or "in their own world," and may be easily distracted, forgetful, disorganized, and have trouble following instructions

• Symptoms include trouble paying attention, avoiding long mental tasks, losing things often, making careless mistakes, and difficulty completing tasks

• ADD is considered a neurobiological disorder linked to imbalances in neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline and is often hereditary

ADD vs. ADHD

• ADHD is the current official diagnosis that encompasses three types: inattentive (formerly called ADD), hyperactive-impulsive, and combined types

• The term ADD is no longer officially used in diagnostic manuals since 1987, but it persists colloquially to describe the inattentive type of ADHD

• ADHD includes symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity, which are generally absent or minimal in ADD

• The inattentive type (ADD) can be harder to recognize because it lacks the overt hyperactivity and may be mistaken for daydreaming or lack of interest

In summary, ADD is essentially the inattentive subtype of ADHD, focusing on attention difficulties without hyperactivity, and the term ADD is now considered outdated in clinical practice but remains in common use