Is ADD and ADHD the same thing?
Yes! ADD is the old term that was used until around 1987. The term stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD is the current term and it stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. You will notice that the only difference in the name is the addition of the word hyperactivity. People still use the term ADD out of habit. However, ADHD has replaced the term ADD.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is complex and requires more than a simple blog post to answer this question (See Russell Barkley’s book, “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”). However, this article will give you a brief summary of what ADHD is.
According to the CDC, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It impacts children as well as adults.
According to the DSM V, there are three subtypes of ADHD:
ADHD, combined type
ADHD, impulsive/hyperactive type
ADHD, inattentive and distractible type
Symptoms
Symptoms of ADHD include, but are no limited to hyperactivity, impulsivity, forgetfulness, emotional lability, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with transitions, difficulty with tolerating distress, etc.
Causes
Researchers can not give a definitive answer to what causes ADHD, but research shows there is a strong genetic component to ADHD.
Diagnosis
It is important to be tested appropriately for ADHD. This is done by a qualified mental health professional experienced in ADHD. Testing typically involves a combination of interviews, scales, tools, and tests.
At PRGRS Therapy we use all of these methods within our testing to ensure an accurate diagnosis. We conduct a thorough assessment, while not being overly excessive. You can read more about our testing here.
Treatment
ADHD can be treated in a variety of ways including with therapy, coaching, and/or medication management. Often times, a combination of these approaches is most helpful. At PRGRS Therapy, we use DBT therapy as our main line treatment for ADHD.
What is next?
If you are interested in being tested for ADHD or receiving therapy for ADHD contact us today to set up your free 15 phone minute consultation. We are here to help.
