ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a diagnosis given to people who are inattentive, impulsive, disorganized, forgetful, and who often daydream and lose things. These, among other symptoms, get in the way of normal everyday activities. This is the difference between ADHD vs. ADD.
ADHD is a diagnosis that is given to people who are inattentive, impulsive, disorganized, forgetful, and who often daydream and lose things. (Image: Maninak via Wikimedia)
What is ADD?
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. So in this case, the person is not hyperactive, but still has problems with attention and concentration, forgetfulness, impulsiveness, etc.
ADD is commonly seen in girls more than boys. Sometimes kids lose the ADHD hyperactivity symptoms when they go through adolescence, but continue to be inattentive and are diagnosed with ADD later.
How do I know if I have ADHD or ADD?
There are no tests, like blood tests or MRI scans, to diagnose these conditions. It is usually diagnosed clinically using scales, where the person indicates the impairment level or the symptom frequency on a graded scale. Some of the scales used to evaluate kids are free online, such as the Vanderbilt ADHD scale.
What do I do if I have many symptoms on the scale?
If you think you have problems with attention, memorization, daydreaming, or forgetfulness, then go see a doctor.
What if I do not want medication?
Not everyone needs medication for ADD/ADHD, but there are a number of different types of medication to help improve attention, concentration, and memorization. There are also techniques that help with memory issues, like making a list of things you need to do, keeping a calendar and schedules, or using a watch or phone alarm to help with time management.
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