Three Types of Attention Deficit Disorder

Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD as it is commonly called, is the older, more generalized term for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder which it is oftentimes interchanged with. ADD is usually used to describe the disorder when it does not involve the hyperactivity and impulsivity factor. The terms are used interchangeably for either condition whether the condition does or does not have the characteristics of hyperactivity and impulsivity.

ADD or ADHD exhibits deficiencies in the areas of self-motivation and self-regulation which then leads to problems with distractibility, organization, prioritization, and procrastination. For all practical purposes, ADHD is now the official term as defined by the APA (American Psychiatric Association) and encompasses the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattentiveness. The bottom line is that ADD or ADHD is a chronic disorder that appears in early childhood and continues on into adulthood.

The three types of ADD or ADHD

ADD or ADHD is classified into three separate categories. These are the hyperactive-impulsive type, the inattentive type, and the combined type and are as follows:

Hyperactive-impulsive type - in the case where the ADD or ADHD is predominantly the hyperactive and impulsive type, the symptoms are related primarily to hyperactivity and impulsivity and do not typically any significant attention issues. These individuals are fidgety and impulsive while also being overactive and restless. They will usually blurt things out, usually interrupting others by acting and speaking before they think. They have considerable difficulty staying seated, talking excessively, and waiting their turns.

Inattentive type - with this type of ADD or ADHD, the symptoms are primarily related to the inability of the person to pay attention. The inattentive form of the disorder is usually referred to as ADD rather than ADHD. The individuals with this form of the disorder have difficulty finishing tasks, following directions, and paying attention. They appear to be careless as well as disorganized and forgetful, they become distracted easily, and they frequently lose things.

Combined type - the combined type is the easiest of the three to diagnosis because the characteristics of the two types mentioned above are all present.

The most important point with ADD or ADHD is that once the disorder has been properly diagnosed, the correct treatment can be recommended.

Understanding the differences between ADD and ADHD

If you are wondering about the differences between ADD and ADHD, ADD is the term that is most frequently used to describe children or adults who have ADHD but who do not display hyperactive and impulsive behavior patterns. As a result, the terms are frequently interchanged for individuals who do and do not the hyperactivity and impulsivity symptoms.

If you are concerned about a child or an adult in the family that has ADD or ADHD, it is important that you have them checked by a knowledgeable physician. They can examine the person while at the same time interviewing them in order to ascertain if ADD or ADHD is present. If they are diagnosed with the disorder, learn as much about it as you can.

For the latest videos and training information on child development as well as books and curricula on ADHD children please visit childdevelopmentmedia.com.


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