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In the modern world, it seems that the inability to focus on a single topic or sit still for more than five minutes runs rampant. Some cry that electronics and television are to blame, others claim that too much sugar or exposure to lead is the culprit.
The reality is that the disorders responsible for a scattered mind are less nebulous than these theories indicate. Attention Deficit Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are incredibly common diagnoses, and they don’t have many differences, but one crucial factor sets them widely apart.
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that ADD and ADHD are two subtypes of the same syndrome. That is to say, both of these diagnoses fall under the attention deficit umbrella, they just manifest in unique ways, which is why many people call them by separate names.
ADHD: Understanding The Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a broad-reaching term that refers to the neurological disorder wherein a person experiences symptoms due to a deficiency in neurotransmitters. Specifically, ADHD has been linked to a lack of norepinephrine.
Despite the fact that anecdotal evidence exists to support the assertion that environmental factors (like exposure to pesticides, lead, or even too much sugar) play a role in the onset of ADHD, widespread support for this evidence has yet to be validated.
Instead, it seems that whether or not a child develops ADHD depends largely on their parents. If a person is diagnosed with ADHD, there’s a 1 in 4 chance that they’ll have a parent with ADHD, too. This isn’t exactly a startling revelation for anyone familiar with the heredity of mental disorders, but parents can begin looking for signs if either one has an ADHD diagnosis.
Other parental interventions, like smoking or drinking while pregnant may also contribute to the incidence of ADHD. Head injuries and premature birth are other, less common culprits.
As far as the symptoms of ADHD go, many of them are precisely what one would expect based on the name. Inattentiveness, an inability to listen effectively, problems with memory, poor impulse control, and the compulsion to constantly interject in conversations are some of the most common signs that span across different age groups.
In 2016, about 9.4% of all children in the United States had been diagnosed with ADHD at some point, with the largest rate of diagnoses occurring between the ages of 6 and 11. Obviously, that means that millions of children with ADHD will eventually turn into millions of adults with ADHD. With a firm grasp on what ADHD is, it’s much easier to understand ADD.
ADD: Another Branch off The Attention Deficit Tree
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is considered a subtype of attention deficit, like ADHD, but it is largely considered an outdated term. In fact, ADD was not even the term used for the disorder until 1980; before that, it was called hyperkinetic.
The term’s time in the limelight was short-lived though. By 1987, a new version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) was released, and ADD had been updated to ADHD. Under the term ADHD, there are three different subtypes: ADHD that mostly presents with impulse control and hyperactivity issues, ADHD that mostly presents with attention problems, and a combination type.
Some people are still inclined to use ADD when referring to the second subtype of ADHD, and that’s not strictly incorrect considering it is a form of ADHD that doesn’t show many signs of hyperactivity. Still, it’s not exactly correct, either, since ADD is no longer recognized in the DSM.
Basically, ADD and ADHD are inextricably linked. It’s impossible to discuss specific statistics or causes of ADD on its own because the data simply doesn’t exist—all ADHD statistics are compiled to encompass each of the subtypes, and ADD falls under that umbrella.
Differentiating Between ADD and ADHD
As stated above, telling the difference between ADD and ADHD actually means telling the difference between ADHD that is predominantly hyperactive and ADHD that is predominantly inattentive.
When framing the two disorders that way, it becomes starkly clear how to tell the two apart. If a person seems to have trouble controlling their impulses and outbursts but is able to stay on task, they likely fall into the first subtype (ADHD). If someone can keep to themselves, but has a constantly wandering mind, they likely fall into the second subtype (ADD).
Treating ADHD in Children and Adults
Depending on the person’s age, ADHD has different repercussions. For children, teens, and young adults attending college, ADHD can translate to much greater difficulty achieving academic success. For adults, ADHD might hamper their professional growth.
Regardless of age, there’s no question that ADHD impacts the lives of millions of Americans; the good news is, it’s treatable. ADHD medication is a popular solution and has been proven highly effective in minimizing ADHD symptoms for the vast majority of sufferers.
Medications for this syndrome can be broken up into two categories: stimulants (like Adderall) and non-stimulants (like Strattera). Stimulants are more widely prescribed as they’ve shown broader efficacy, but they also pose the risk for abuse or addiction.
In addition to medication, therapeutic services can be an immensely helpful way to treat ADHD. This is true for children under 6 as well as anyone looking for a holistic approach to treatment. In these cases, family therapy and school intervention programs can be the best way to begin early treatment.
No matter the type of ADHD, proper individualized treatment is crucial to a sufferer’s long-term success, both personally and professionally or academically. Contact Mission Harbor Behavioral Health for a personal and effective treatment experience.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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