How the Name and Diagnosis Have Changed Over the Years
You may have heard the termsADD and ADHDused interchangeably.
ADHD is now the official name.
However, many still use the term ADD, the formal name from 1980 to 1987.
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Some people feel frustrated when they hear that ADD and ADHD are the same.
Understanding the evolution of the changes in the name can help.
At this time, hyperactivity was not considered to be a frequent symptom.
Two subtypes of ADD were identified:
1987
A revised version of the DSM-III was released.
The official name became attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
This meant that hyperactivity was considered to be an important feature of ADHD.
1994
The DSM-IV was published, with a slight grammar change in the name.
The official name was now attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
The slash between attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder indicated something meaningful.
You could have either or both subtypes.
You didnt need to be hyperactive to be diagnosed with ADHD.
The three subtypes of ADHD remain the same, but now they’re called presentations instead of subtypes.
They include:
DSM-5 takes into account how characteristics present in both children and adults.
This is good news, as it was felt that adult ADHD was being overlooked in the previous DSMs.
Some people use ADD and ADHD interchangeably.
However, recognizing the key differences in thethree subtypes of ADHDcan be helpful.
The traits associated with the subtypes can present somewhat differently in children than adults.
Primarily Inattentive ADHD
This subtype involves inattentiveness, lack of focus, and disorganization.
This pattern of characteristics is what people often mean when they use the term ADD.
To be diagnosed with this subtype, children must experience six signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity and six sign of inattention.
ADD vs. ADHD in Adults
The characteristics ofADHD may change as people age.
As an adult,hyperactivity might show itselfin less obvious ways.
Adults may also be diagnosed with the combined throw in.
It also might be that you are not as hyperactive as you once were.
The fifth edition of the DSM recognizes that a persons ADHD presentation may change during their lifetime.
ADHD is a disability, but this is primarily because society is neurotypically-centered.
ADHD is not an “abnormality.”
Instead, it represents a form ofneurodivergence, which means differences in how a person’s brain functions.
Neurodivergent people may behave, learn, and process information differently than what is regarded as “typical.”
If you or your child has ADHD, understanding traits and recognizing strengths can be helpful.
It can also be beneficial to explore lifestyle adjustments and coping strategies that work best for you.
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