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ADD vs ADHD: A Family Mental Health Guide

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ADHD is a common mental health concern for today’s families. We know that ADHD and ADD in children often present challenges in the classroom setting, so we wanted to spend some time this back-to-school season providing a bit more detail and context.

In this blog, you’ll learn about ADD vs ADHD, and get mental health tips to support your whole family.

The good news is that with diagnosis and treatment, the impact of ADHD on your child’s ability to thrive can be significantly reduced. So let’s jump in, starting with a common question: what’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?

What’s the Difference between ADD and ADHD?

ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. It describes a difficulty with attention, focus, and working memory. 

It’s important to note that ADD is not a medical diagnosis. ADD is an older medical term from the DSM 3 that was updated to ADHD in 1987.  Since we stopped using it as a medical diagnosis, it’s evolved into a colloquial term. The name change was the result of psychiatrists recognizing that hyperactivity symptoms commonly appear clustered with inattention symptoms.

On the other hand, ADHD is a medical diagnosis. It stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. It described a difficulty with focus, attention, and activity.

There are actually three different types of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder; the different types describe whether a person tends to be more inattentive, more hyperactive, or a combination. That said, most people refer to ADHD broadly. The three types of ADHD are:

  • Combined Type ADHD: This is the most common type of ADHD. People living with this type of ADHD may be seen as both highly active and easily distracted.

  • Predominantly Hyperactive ADHD: This is the least common type of ADHD. People living with this type of ADHD are seen as impulsive and hyperactive, though they don’t struggle with attention and focus.

  • Predominantly Inattentive ADHD: This type of ADHD may be referred to colloquially as ADD. It describes a person who experiences challenges with attention and focus, but isn’t seen as hyperactive.

(Keep in mind that the terms above aren’t the formal medical diagnoses, but a child mental health expert will know what you mean, if you use phrases like the above to explain your concerns.)

How many families live with ADHD?

Current estimates suggest that about 1 in 20 children have ADHD. Chances are, every classroom in America has a child with ADHD. About 9% of American children 2-17 have ever been diagnosed with ADHD. That said, ADHD does tend to be more

In addition, ADHD tends to run in families. It’s thought to be genetic. That’s part of why it can be valuable to seek a whole family approach to navigating your child’s ADHD diagnosis, treatment and care.

BIPOC children (especially Black and Latinx/Hispanic children) are just as likely to present ADHD symptoms as their white counterparts, but they’re significantly less likely to be diagnosed with ADHD. Unfortunately, race can impact a child’s ability to receive a diagnosis or access care. It’s important for parents, caregivers, teachers, and health providers to be aware of this; learn more about race and ADHD in this blog.

If you’re concerned about ADHD, we’re here to help! Book an appointment to discover if an ADHD assessment is necessary.

Symptoms of ADHD or ADD in Children

As a parent, you may be wondering what ADHD or ADD looks like in kids. Children living with ADHD tend to have difficulty with attention, focus, hyperactivity, and/or working memory.  They may be more physically active (or “squirmy”), fidgety, impulsive, impatient; many, though not all ADHD children tend to be full of energy. A child living with ADHD might seem daydreamy, forgetful - and bouncy! 

Here are some symptoms of ADHD in children:

  • They have trouble waiting their turn.

  • They seem to always be fidgeting or wiggling.

  • They tend to interrupt other people or have trouble focusing on others.

  • If they’re older, they might be easily upset. A younger child might have tantrums.

  • Finishing tasks and activities are difficult for them because they get distracted.

  • Their things aren’t organized, or they struggle to get organized.

  • They seem daydreamy or unfocused.

  • They struggle to play quietly or relax.

  • They try to avoid doing tasks that could take more mental energy, like homework.

  • They make “simple” or “avoidable” mistakes or struggle to follow instructions.

  • They seem to forget things easily.

  • They appear to lack self-control or self-management skills.

If it seems like your little one experiences a lot of these, it’s definitely valuable to talk to a trained professional.  

What are the risks if left untreated?

ADHD typically shows up with other mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and/or oppositional behavior. In fact, addressing the root cause of ADHD challenges can help with anxiety, depression, and behavior.

In addition, undiagnosed and/or untreated ADHD can cause increased problems as the child ages.

On the other hand, if we can identify mental health concerns early, we can intervene and help prevent children from developing mental health challenges as they grow. In fact, taking action early can reduce the impact of ADHD over the course of your kid’s life! 

At Little Otter, we provide ADHD care for both parents and their little ones, since we have board-certified psychiatrists who can treat adults and children.

If you have concerns, trust your gut and take action early - early intervention matters!  

What’s the process for ADHD diagnosis?

ADHD diagnosis is a proven process that includes:

  • Validated tests

  • Collection of information from parents, teachers, and the child

  • Intake interviews

At Little Otter, we conduct this data collection and intake interviews over multiple sessions. We combine it with our clinical expertise to make the diagnosis. We just don’t think a quick 50-minute assessment is enough time to deliver a diagnosis. 

The important thing to know about ADHD is that we can easily identify it, and provide care and treatment early enough to make a difference for the rest of a child’s life.

How can parents best support kids who have an ADHD/ADD diagnosis? 

As a parent, you set the stage for your child’s emotional and physical health. You have control over many of the factors that can positively influence the symptoms of your child’s disorder.

  • Maintain a positive attitude: Your best assets for helping your child meet the challenges of ADHD are your positive attitude and common sense. When you are calm and focused, you are more likely to be able to connect with your child, helping him or her to be calm and focused as well.

  • Keep things in perspective: Remember that your child’s behavior is related to a disorder. Most of the time it is not intentional. Hold on to your sense of humor. What’s embarrassing today may be a funny family story ten years from now.

  • Believe in your child: Think about or make a written list of everything that is positive, valuable, and unique about your child. Trust that your child can learn, change, mature, and succeed. Reaffirm this trust on a daily basis as you brush your teeth or make your coffee.

When you’re ready to explore how we support your child and family wellness, we’re here. Because there’s no health without mental health.

Additional ADHD Resources for Families: