Many people still use the term ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and wonder how it differs from ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). The truth is that ADD is now considered a type of ADHD—but it doesn’t involve hyperactivity. This is where the confusion comes in!
What Happened to the Term ADD?
Before 1987, doctors diagnosed children with ADD if they had trouble paying attention, with or without hyperactivity. But in the early 1990s, the term ADHD replaced ADD, and doctors introduced three official types:
1. Inattentive Type
This person struggles with focus, organisation, and following through on tasks but is not hyperactive or impulsive.
2. Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This person tends to move excessively, is restless, talks a lot, or acts without thinking.
3. Combined Type
A mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
Even though ADD is no longer an official diagnosis, many people still use the term to describe Inattentive ADHD because it feels more accurate for those who don’t struggle with hyperactivity.
One of the biggest misconceptions about ADHD is that it’s always linked to hyperactivity. Because of this, people with Inattentive ADHD (previously called ADD) often go undiagnosed for years.
Why Inattentive ADHD Often Gets Overlooked
A common misunderstanding about ADHD is that it always involves hyperactivity. As a result, individuals with Inattentive ADHD (previously called ADD) are often overlooked and may go undiagnosed for years.
For kids, this can look like:
- Zoning out in class, even if they sit still
- Forgetting homework or frequently losing things
- Struggling to complete tasks or follow instructions
For adults, Inattentive ADHD might look like:
- Procrastinating or struggling to get started on tasks
- Forgetting deadlines and losing items
- Making careless mistakes at work.
People with Inattentive ADHD are often labelled as ‘lazy’ or ‘daydreamers’ rather than recognised as having a neurodevelopmental condition that affects focus and executive function. The earlier inattentive ADHD is recognised and diagnosed, the easier it is to find the proper support.
Can Inattentive ADHD Develop in Adulthood?
All three sub-types of ADHD begin in childhood but can often get missed or diagnosed as something else. It can happen for many reasons. For instance, your teachers and parents may not have recognised your ADHD symptoms, or they may have supported you so well that you were still able to thrive with ADHD. Additionally, you may have a milder form of ADHD that is now only causing a problem, given the current demands in your life, particularly when it comes to study and work.
Many adults are now seeking assessment for ADHD as society becomes more aware of this condition. It can be diagnosed in childhood or adulthood, but if in adulthood – the adults must have shown symptoms much earlier, starting before age 12.
Psychologists trained and experienced in diagnosing and managing ADHD, including inattentive type, offer diagnostic assessments and coaching services to help you enhance your wellbeing and day-to-day life.