ADD and ADHD: What's the difference? (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

Does your child often get lost in a dream world at school? Does he easily wander off into another world when assigned homework or while studying? Or, does he always fidget and fidget without staying in one place? When you see things like this, you may wonder, "Does this child have ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?" At the same time, others may ask, "Isn't this also called ADD? Are those two things the same?" Perhaps you, as an adult, are now thinking about these kinds of problems that you have had since childhood.

Are ADD and ADHD really two different things?

Simply put, not really. These are two names for the same condition. But the important thing is that doctors no longer use the term ``ADD'' . It's an old name. Even though people still use the term ``ADD'' today, it is not an official medical diagnosis. A person who used to be called ``ADD'' is now called ``ADHD'' in reference to one of the three types of the condition.

Actually, if you look at the history of this, it was in the 1980s that this mental health condition was given the name ``ADD - Attention Deficit Disorder``. At that time, there were two types of it - ``ADD`` with hyperactivity and ``ADD`` without hyperactivity.

But in 1987, doctors changed the name to ``ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.'' Since then, the condition has been called ``ADHD.'' And we now know that it is not limited to young children, and that many children with ``ADHD'' continue to live with the condition into adulthood.

What are the main symptoms of ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a brain-related, neurodevelopmental condition. It is not a child's mischievousness or laziness. It can have a significant impact on a child's schoolwork, homework, and daily life activities. Children with ADHD have difficulty in three main areas.

1. Difficulty maintaining attention ( inattention ):

Imagine, you are teaching a child a lesson. After a while, the child is looking out the window. Or playing with a pen in his hand. He doesn't seem to hear what you are saying. He often loses things, doesn't know how to organize his work, and is always lost in his dreams. This is called attention deficit disorder.

2. Impulsivity:

This is about acting before thinking. Trying to answer a question before it's even finished. Interrupting when others are talking. Not having the patience to wait for their turn. Making decisions quickly without thinking about the long-term consequences.

3. Hyperactivity :

These children have a hard time staying in one place. Even when sitting in a chair, they are constantly fidgeting, fidgeting, and trying to get up and walk. They can't stay in one place even in places where they should be quiet, like in class or at the dinner table. They are always running, jumping, and climbing. It's like they have a motor attached to their bodies and are always "on the go."

The three main types of ADHD

Currently, psychiatrists divide ADHD into three main types. The diagnosis is made based on which type your or your child's symptoms most closely match.

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

This is what many people used to call `(ADD)`. These children do not have the hyperactivity or inattention mentioned earlier. That is why it is a little difficult to identify these children. They are often quiet, shy, and may seem to be in their own world. They may be the child who "dreams" in class. The main characteristic is the inability to pay attention.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

These children may not have a major attention problem. But they can't stay in one place. They have a lot of energy, and they are often restless and impulsive. These characteristics are easily visible, so this type is easy to identify.

3. Combined Presentation

As the name suggests, this type of child exhibits a combination of both of the above characteristics. That is, they have difficulty paying attention, while also exhibiting hyperactive and impulsive traits.

The table below can help you understand these symptoms more clearly.

How is ADHD diagnosed? (Diagnosis)

This is the most important part. There is no single test to diagnose ADHD. Don't just assume that your child has ADHD. There are many other conditions that can cause symptoms similar to ADHD.

For example:

• Sleep problems
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Learning disabilities
• Thyroid problems
• Hearing or vision impairments

Therefore, it is essential to see a qualified professional, such as a pediatrician, psychiatrist, or child psychologist, for an accurate diagnosis.

The diagnostic process may include:

• A detailed discussion: The doctor will obtain information from you, your child, and your child's teachers.
• Behavior rating scales: Parents and teachers are given special questionnaires (behavior rating scales) to fill out to assess the child's behavior patterns.
• A complete physical examination: This is important to ensure that there are no other physical conditions, including hearing and vision.
• Ruling out other conditions: The doctor will consider whether a recent major change in the child's life (e.g., parents' divorce, death of a family member) could be a cause of this behavior.

To be diagnosed with ADHD, these symptoms must persist for at least 6 months . Some of the symptoms must have started before the age of 12. In addition, these symptoms must be present in two or more settings (e.g., home and school) and must significantly interfere with the child's social interactions and academic performance.

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