Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (also referred to as ADHD) is one of the most commonly diagnosed childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. Finding out that you or someone you love has this condition can feel a little overwhelming at first, but medicine has come a long way in diagnosing and managing this condition.
ADD and ADHD: What’s the Difference?
You might’ve heard both the terms “ADD” and “ADHD.” “ADD” stands for “attention deficit disorder.” Many people believe these to be two separate conditions, but they are actually the same. ”ADD” is now considered an outdated term for “ADHD”.
”ADD” was used because some people with ADHD don’t actually exhibit hyperactive symptoms. This is simply the way the condition manifests in some people but not others. It’s not, as it was previously believed to be, its own condition.
What Are the Symptoms of ADHD?
The symptoms of ADHD primarily include hyperactivity, difficulty or disinterest in paying attention, and low impulse control. However, the symptoms of ADHD can be much more varied. For example, being disorganized, forgetful, unable to listen to others, or excessively talkative are also symptoms of ADHD.
Not everyone with ADHD has trouble in school or can’t sit still. And, not all of these symptoms need to be present, but many of them may be. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, certain symptoms must be present, contingent on a person’s age, to make an ADHD diagnosis. These include the following, which need to be present for more than six months:
- Six or more hyperactive or impulsive symptoms and six or more inattention symptoms need to be present in children under 16
- Five or more hyperactive or impulsive symptoms and six or more inattention symptoms need to be present in those 17 and older
Adults and Children with ADHD: What’s the Difference?
Naturally, adults and children experience ADHD symptoms differently. While a child may become bored with their schoolwork, an adult may become overwhelmed with their workload. These differing emotions toward the same general issue may see adults and children acting differently as a result of their ADHD.
Although this hasn’t been confirmed, it’s possible that adult-onset ADHD is a completely different condition. A Brazilian study found only a small percentage of children with ADHD saw symptoms carry into adulthood, and the same was true for adults who had ADHD as children.
Managing ADHD in Children and Adults
Treating ADHD is different in adults and children. But it’s still important to recognize the ways to safely manage this condition so you can continue to lead a fulfilling life.
Behavioral Therapy
Especially in young children, this is often the first treatment method for ADHD. It can help both the child and the parent create better coping skills and to start managing symptoms like hyperactivity and inattention. As children grow, or when adults are being treated, it is often used in addition to medication.
Medication
Certain medications — such as amphetamines and methylphenidate — can treat ADHD. These medications are stimulants, and they can help calm people with ADHD so they can more easily concentrate on a task at hand. Stimulant medications have the potential for addiction, so it can be helpful to discuss this with your provider first.
Eating Well
Some people with ADHD have seen successful outcomes with a change in diet. Eating fewer processed foods and more proteins (as well as more foods high in omega-3 fatty acids) may be beneficial for managing symptoms in children and adults with ADHD.
Getting Plenty of Sleep
High-quality sleep is important. People with ADHD may experience worsening symptoms without a proper night’s rest. On the flip side, ADHD can make it difficult to get the recommended hours of sleep. This is why sleep hygiene is important when you have ADHD.
Managing ADHD often requires healthcare treatments and lifestyle changes. But no matter when your symptoms began, you can live a happy, successful life with ADHD.
Resource Links
- “What Is ADHD?” CDC, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities 2022, August 9, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html.
- Anderson, Dave, “What is the difference between ADD and ADHD?” Child Mind Institute, 2023, March 3, https://childmind.org/article/what-is-the-difference-between-add-and-adhd/.
- “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.” MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine, 2016, December 14, https://medlineplus.gov/attentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder.html.
- “Stimulant ADHD Medications: Methylphenidate and Amphetamines” NIH, National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2014, January, https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/drugfacts_stimulantadhd_1.pdf.
- “Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD.” CDC, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, 2022, August 9, https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html.
- Caye, Arthur; Rocha, Thiago Botter-Maio; and Anselmi, Luciana, “Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Trajectories From Childhood to Young Adulthood” JAMA Network, JAMA Psychiatry, 2016, July, https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2522749.
- Pacheco, Danielle, and Dimitriu, Alex. “ADHD and Sleep” Sleep Foundation, 2023, May 26, https://www.sleepfoundation.org/mental-health/adhd-and-sleep.
- Pinto, Sofia; Correia-de-Sá, Teresa; Sampaio-Maia, Benedita; Vasconcelos, Carla; Moreira, Pedro; Ferreira-Gomes, Joana, “Eating Patterns and Dietary Interventions in ADHD: A Narrative Review.” PubMed, Nutrients, 2022, October 14, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9608000/.