Does your child always get lost in a world of thoughts, not paying attention to the class lessons at school? Does he/she run around and can't keep his/her mind in one place after being assigned homework? Or does he/she always fidget when he/she can't stay in one place? When you see things like this, you may have thought, "Is this even a condition called ADHD?" Some people also call this ADD. What exactly are ADD and ADHD? Is there a difference between the two? Perhaps you yourself have had this kind of thing since childhood and may not have recognized it. Let's talk about this clearly today.
ADD and ADHD: Is there really a difference?
Simply put, there really isn't much difference. They're both names used to describe the same condition. But doctors don't use the term 'ADD' anymore. It's a bit of an old, outdated term. You may still hear people say ADD, but it's not an official medical diagnosis. Today, if someone is diagnosed with ADD symptoms, they're classified as one of three types of ADHD.
In the past, what we now call ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) was called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). Also, doctors now know that this condition is not limited to childhood, but can persist into adulthood.
How did these names change?
The history of this is very simple. In the 1980s, the main book that classifies mental health conditions, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), gave the condition the name 'attention deficit disorder', or 'ADD'. At the time, it was divided into two types - with and without hyperactivity .
But in 1987, doctors changed the name to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Then in 1994, the condition was further divided into three main types. We still use that classification today.
The three main types of ADHD and their characteristics
ADHD is a condition that affects brain function. It can affect a child's daily functioning, both at home and at school. Children with this condition have difficulty paying attention, controlling their behavior, and sometimes become hyperactive.
ADHD is divided into three main types. Let's take a look at these three types and their associated symptoms in the table below.
| ADHD type | Key characteristics and behaviors |
|---|---|
| 1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (This was previously called ADD) | These children don't struggle too much. That's why they can sometimes be difficult to recognize. They may seem shy and "in their own world."
|
| 2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation | These children have a lot of energy. They can't stay in one place, they are always on the move. This is easily visible to others.
|
| 3. Combined Presentation | These children have characteristics of both types mentioned above. That is, they can be seen as hyperactive and impulsive along with inattention . They have difficulty paying attention, and they are constantly moving around, unable to stay in one place. |
How is ADHD diagnosed?
This is the most important thing. There is no single test that can determine whether you have ADHD or not. That means you can't tell right away with a blood test or a scan.
The most important thing is that if you have a problem with your child's behavior, you should definitely see an experienced doctor, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist.
A doctor follows several steps to diagnose this condition:
- Gathering information: The doctor will ask you, the child's teachers, and other adults who know the child well about your child's behavior in detail.
- Behavioral comparison: The child's behavior is compared with the typical behavior of other children of the same age.
- Ruling out other conditions: Sometimes symptoms that look like ADHD can be caused by other conditions. For example:
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety and Depression
- Learning disabilities
- A major change in the family (divorce, death)
- Thyroid problems
- Invisible seizures (Seizures)
Therefore, the doctor comes to a conclusion after considering all of this. Sometimes, specialized tests such as the `(NEBA) System`, which measures brain waves, may be used, but that is also done as part of a complete medical examination.
Factors to consider for diagnosis
To be diagnosed with ADHD, these symptoms must have been present for a period of time.
- Symptoms must persist for at least 6 months .
- Some symptoms must have started before the age of 12 .
- These characteristics must be seen in two or more places (e.g., at home and at school).
- These characteristics must have a significant impact on the child's social life, schoolwork, or other activities.
Can adults have ADHD too?
Yes, absolutely. ADHD is not something that is limited to childhood. Many people who had ADHD as children continue to have the condition into adulthood. Sometimes, when parents are trying to diagnose their child with ADHD, they realize that they too have the same symptoms. If you are an adult and think you may have ADHD, it is never too late to see a psychiatrist to find out.
Take-Home Message
- ADD is an old name used for the condition ADHD. The current correct medical term is ADHD.
- ADHD is divided into three main types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, and mixed type, which is a combination of both.
- If a child is suspected of having ADHD, it is important to see if the symptoms are present both at home and at school.
- Avoid self-diagnosing. If you suspect you or your child has ADHD, be sure to see a doctor for proper guidance and treatment.
- ADHD is a condition that can begin in childhood and continue into adulthood. It can be diagnosed and treated at any age.
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