The terms ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) have been used interchangeably in the past, but it's essential to understand the historical context and how diagnostic criteria and terminology have evolved.
In the past, before the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) underwent revisions, there were two main subtypes of attention deficit disorder: ADD and ADHD. ADD was used to describe individuals who primarily had difficulties with attention and focus without significant hyperactivity, while ADHD was used to describe those who had attention difficulties along with hyperactive and impulsive behavior.
However, with the publication of DSM-IV in 1994, the subtypes of ADD and ADHD were merged, and the condition was consolidated under the single term "ADHD." This revised definition recognized three presentations of ADHD:
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (formerly known as ADD): This presentation involves primarily attention and focus difficulties without significant hyperactivity. People with this type may appear dreamy, disorganized, and have trouble sustaining attention on tasks.
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: This presentation involves hyperactivity and impulsivity without significant attention difficulties.
Combined Presentation: This is the most common form of ADHD, where individuals experience symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.
The term ADD is no longer used in clinical settings because it didn't accurately capture the full spectrum of the disorder. However, it's still prevalent in common language and popular discourse, even though the official term is now ADHD.
The interchangeability of the terms ADD and ADHD in common usage could be due to several factors:
Familiarity: ADD was used widely before the terminology change, and people may be more familiar with that term.
Lack of Awareness: Many individuals may not be aware of the updated diagnostic criteria and continue using the older term.
Simplification: ADHD, as a term, encompasses all presentations of the disorder, making it simpler to use in casual conversations.
Inaccurate Stereotypes: The stereotype of ADHD often includes hyperactivity, so people might use ADHD even when referring to the inattentive presentation.
To promote accuracy and understanding, it's best to use the term ADHD and specify the presentation when discussing the different aspects of the condition. This helps acknowledge the diversity of experiences within the ADHD population and avoids oversimplifying a complex neurological condition.