ADD and ADHD - The Differences

Although the terms ADD and ADHD are most often used interchangeably, there are differences between the two disorders. The main difference between ADD and ADHD is that ADD is Attention Deficit Disorder-Inattentive Type and ADHD is Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity.

ADD and ADHD do have similarities, such as:

distractibility

forgetfulness

disorganization

difficulty following rapid conversations

low self-esteem

difficulty completing school work

difficulty completing tasks in a timely manner

difficulty keeping track of belongings

difficulty keeping track of time

There are some major differences, however, between ADD and ADHD. For instance, while a person with ADD may be withdrawn, shy, and quiet, a person with ADHD may be just the opposite; talking loudly, rapidly, and often talking too much.

While above I listed shared characteristics between ADD and ADHD, following are characteristics listed separately for each disorder, so you can see the differences between ADD and ADHD:

ADD Characteristics:

Sluggish

Honors other's boundaries

Obedient

Underassertive

Overly polite

Docile

Modest

Shy

Socially withdrawn

Bonds with others but doesn't attract friends

ADHD Characteristics

Physically hyperactive

Impulsive

Intrusive

Rebellious

Bossy

Irritable

Shows off

Egotistical

Attracts friends but doesn't easily bond

More prone toward behavioral/conduct disorders

Since people with ADD are many times very polite and quiet, their ADD may go unnoticed and undiagnosed for years. They may struggle silently and are many times very sensitive to criticism, so they tend not to speak out or share their struggles with a mental health professional. They are very emotional, and may feel a great deal of inner turmoil. If they do speak out and share their struggles, a diagnosis of ADD is usually overlooked. They are more apt to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder or depression.

People with ADHD may seem relatively untouched by outward circumstances, bouncing around as if nothing mattered. In actuality, however, people with ADHD have a very low tolerance for stress and can struggle silently just as those with ADD. People with ADHD are impulsive, and will frequently begin many projects at once, yet never seem to see a single one to completion. They will commonly feel emotionally overwhelmed, leading to a high level of frustration, and a low level of self-esteem. This may lead to problems with anger and, like their ADD counterpart, problems with anxiety and depression as well.

Being diagnosed correctly is crucial to managing a life with ADD or ADHD. While previously ADD and ADHD were only diagnosed in children, today many adults are being diagnosed with ADD and ADHD. Whether a child or an adult, ADD or ADHD is controllable with medication. Many people suffering with ADD and ADHD have found success in school, work, and at home with the addition of medications specifically designed for ADD and ADHD. In addition, stress management and other techniques can be learned which can help with the emotional issues that are associated with ADD and ADHD.

About the Author

Michele Soloway has dealt with bipolar disorder from a very young age. Her grandmother, mother, herself, and her teenage son all have the disorder. She also lost her sister to suicide because of bipolar disorder. Michele has a blog for bipolar survivors at http://bipolarsurvivor.blogspot.com, and is also a contributing writer to www.bipolarcentral.com.

This Week's Bipolar News

From Prevention to Preemption: A Paradigm Shift in Psychiatry
Psychiatric Times
One can imagine a time in the not-too-distant future when a 15-year-old with a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder could be assessed with

8 Myths About Bipolar Disorder
CBS News
Bipolar disorder is on the rise, yet myths persist. WebMD goes to the experts for help separating fact from fiction.

Get Real: Count Your Blessings and Your Troubles
Beliefnet.com
Maybe it's the bipolar in me who jumps on the rollercoaster and is dying to tell everybody about the wild ride. But I just wish more people were real about ...

Thinking out loud: Sen. Marzilli's bipolar defense?
Wicked Local West Roxbury
That paper also reported that Marzilli was being treated for symptoms of hypomania, a condition linked to bipolar disease. Marzilli's own lawyer confirmed ...

Swings of bipolar disorder to opposite extremes
Chattanooga Times Free Press
DEAR DR. DONOHUE: How serious is bipolar disorder? Can you control it yourself? Is the brain lacking some element?

Click here for all Bipolar News.

Featured Article:

TAKE ACTION!

I received an email from a person the other day. She asked me why so many great successful people, leaders, business people, etc. have Bipolar Disorder. I have long had a theory (but I don't have any kind of study to point to which would prove my theory). Here's what I think, though:

In order for you to start something, whatever it is: open a daycare center, write a book, build a website, go to college, discover the cure for cancer, create world peace â€“ you have to do something really important. Know what it is?

You have to TAKE ACTION!

Click here to read the entire article.

BipolarCentral
Your One Stop Source For Information On Bipolar Disorder