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There is No Such Thing as ADDElisha Goldstein, Ph.D. Updated: Oct 2nd 2009 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has received a lot of attention in the media in the last decade or so. In children it is often seen as difficulty sustaining attention, at times bouncing off the walls and having trouble in school. In general, in adults there are similar symptoms, but affecting work and relationships. However, there is a lot of confusion around the terminology of ADHD. Many years ago, it was often referred, even professionally as ADD, but in the last two iterations of the "bible" of Psychology (Diagnostic Statistical Manual or DSM IV-TR) it has been referred to as ADHD. However, the media and general public continue to refer to this issue as ADD and it can get confusing. So why has it been changed to ADHD?
The people who create the DSM wanted to make it one name to be clearer and then give it three subtypes. So, here they are and if anybody in the media is reading this right now, it's time to correct your terminology.
ADHD: Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive
This is often seen when a person has most symptoms in the hyperactivity category and can still have some inattentive characteristics
ADHD: Predominantly Inattentive
This is where the majority of symptoms show up as characteristics of inattention with some potentially still being characteristics of hyperactivity.
ADHD: Combined Type
You guessed it; the majority of symptoms hit both of these areas. The reason most people think of inattentive children bouncing off the walls when anyone refers to ADHD is because that is currently what the majority have been found to be.
ADHD can be difficult to diagnose at times because people come in presenting with features that seem like anxiety and depression. However, often times underneath is ADHD that have spawned these features.
More than just children, millions of adults struggle with ADHD, often times undiagnosed. Currently, the belief is that if adults have ADHD, they have to have had it when they were children too. This may change in the future.
We all have some degree of inattentiveness and impulsivity at times. These run across a spectrum. The only time this becomes a problem...is if it is a problem. In other words, if it is causing you distress, it's a very good idea to go get it checked out by a skilled Healthcare professional.
Do you have ADHD or anyone you know? What has been your experience? Please share your thoughts, stories, and questions below. Your interactions here provide a living wisdom for us all to benefit form. Drat I suppose I am but a young ignoramus... - daydreamidealist - Oct 21st 2009
I have been calling my condition ADD for some time now (because it's easier to explain than ADHD--I am not hyperactive by any means).
Not sure I will now change my ways, but it's nice to know anyway...
Thanks thanks - - Oct 5th 2009
thanks, so many of the therapists that work under me, and are younger, erroneously say "ADD' and it drives me batty. |
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Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist and conducts a private practice in West Los Angeles. He is co-author of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger, February 2010).
Check out Dr. Goldstein's acclaimed CD's on Mindful Solutions for Stress, Anxiety, and Depression, Mindful Solutions for Addiction and RelapsePrevention, and Mindful Solutions for Success and Stress Reduction at Work. -- "They are so relevant, I have marked them as one of my favorites on a handout I give to all new clients" ~ Psychiatrist.
If you're wanting an interactive program to find relief from anxiety and stress, check out Dr. Goldstein's progressive online behavioral change program in Aliveworld.
If you're wanting to integrate more mindfulness into your daily life, sign up for his Mindful Living Twitter Feed. Dr. Goldstein is also available for private psychotherapy.