ADD vs ADHD. What IS The Difference Between ADD and ADHD?
Scroll to the bottom for the article summarization or keep reading for the more in depth understanding…
It’s safe to assume that there are quite a few misconceptions about ADHD.
For example, when those with ADHD want to find help with our executive functioning struggles, you’d think there’d be more advertisements that speak the language of the people they’re selling to, such as “getting coping mechanisms” vs “getting fixed”. I don’t know about you, but it’s pretty hard to want to associate myself with a term that is usually used to describe neutering your pet.
But what about the new-age old question, “What is ADD vs ADHD”?
Even as someone with ADHD myself, I originally found it difficult to answer this question, because I’m not a therapist and I don’t know anything about diagnosing. And the truth is, most people with ADHD are pretty much in the same boat. All I know is how to coach people with ADHD, write schnazzy articles for the misunderstood, and design entertaining yet educational graphics.
So I thought I might as well include all my skill-sets in one article: BEHOLD!
If you have ADHD, you probably immediately scrolled through all the pictures, and now you’re curious to hear the tiny details, hopefully unlocking some of the mighty secrets of this new concept.
Well, I’ll skim through the boring stuff so you just get the main points:
The adventure of diagnosing ADHD started in the 1980’s: a time where every movie had an explosion, people dressed up like a box of crayons spilled on all their clothes, and mullets weren’t questionable yet. Wow, we’ve really come so far.
Eventually as the 1980’s progressed, we officially had our first term: “ADD”. But it was more like how a hamburger is described with or without cheese: “ADD with hyperactivity” or “ADD without hyperactivity”
Which lead us to 1987, the day our one-ness was established and we were all officially knighted as those just with “ADHD”.
However, nowadays many are starting to realize their ADHD doesn’t really match the status quo, leading to the newly popular question of: “If I have ADHD, then why don’t I ____ like everyone else with it?”.
Well, you’ll be surprised to find out that it’s not as simple as it once was.
What was once believed to be one-ness of all types of executive functioning now has 3 subsets of itself. Why you ask? Well, because it’s more exciting when you’re lost on the journey of finding out who you are of course! Oh, isn’t this just absolutely exquisite?
But whether you focus on the differences or similarities, we (i.e. those of us with “ADD” and “ADHD”) are under the same umbrella of “ADHD”. Therefor it’s always wise for us to seek support so that we can find ways to function in society and maximize our strengths. Our plan here is that hopefully, with finding out which type of ADHD you have, you will be able to know how to find help.
So, here are the 3 subsets of ADHD:
Or to sum it all up, here are the 3 types of ADHD:
Just note that because everyone is different, you may have a variety of different symptoms.
Inattentive
This is where you basically have issues with time management, follow through, focus, organization and executive functioning in general. This type of person doesn’t really match the image of ADHD. They can be more shy or introverted, but in their heads they have a million ideas shouting back and forth very loudly. They’re referred to as “lazy”, when in reality it’s quite the opposite, as those with inattentive ADHD tend to accomplish more than the average person when they have their systems and habits in place..
Hyperactive
This is pretty much the type of person you think of when it comes to ADHD. They tend to be more energetic and have trouble not cutting people off when speaking, because they just want to help and they know that most people won’t understand something unless they’re given more information. Their minds run a mile a minute and with all that information coming at once, it’s difficult not letting it out. But just know, their intention is never to be rude, as they only want to help.
Combined
This pretty much just means you’re a mix of the two types.
If you’ve been curious if you have ADHD, take the ADHD test here. It’s not an official diagnosis, but as an ADHD coach, it can hopefully point you into the direction of getting the support you need.
However, if you really strongly feel you have ADHD and you want to get diagnosed and find out what type of ADHD you have, you should definitely connect with a psychiatrist. I just want to note that whether they prescribe medication or not, just know that you are in charge of your life and there is no “one size fits all” solution.
My opinion is to ask yourself the main 2 questions:
“Do I want to be diagnosed to help clear my past issues and get medication as support me with my focus?”
or
“Do I want my own doable daily systems so that I can finally stop struggling with my daily ADHD issues and start reaching my goals?”
If you thought the first question sounded right for you, then talk to a psychiatrist to help you clear up the fog and pain. And if you thought the second question sounded right for you, then talk to an ADHD coach to help you reach your goals and establish powerful habits that you can use for the rest of your life.
You deserve help and if you’re unsure about it, remember, even the greatest singers in the world have a singing coach and the greatest boxers have a boxing coach, so why not get a coach that is specialized in turning your weaknesses into strengths?
If you’re open and ready to take the leap, book a free 15 minute virtual coffee here. There’s no obligation to move forward unless you say so.
↓ The article summarized for my fellow ADHDers ↓
Basically there’s 3 types of ADHD:
Inattentive- This is where you basically have issues with time management, follow through, focus, organization and executive functioning in general. This type of person doesn’t really match the image of ADHD. They can be more shy or introverted, but in their heads they have a million ideas shouting back and forth very loudly. They’re referred to as “lazy”, when in reality it’s quite the opposite, as those with inattentive ADHD tend to accomplish more than the average person when they have their systems and habits in place..
Hyperactive- This is pretty much the type of person you think of when it comes to ADHD. They tend to be more energetic and have trouble not cutting people off when speaking, because they just want to help and they know that most people won’t understand something unless they’re given more information. Their minds run a mile a minute and with all that information coming at once, it’s difficult not letting it out. But just know, their intention is never to be rude, as they only want to help.
Combined- This pretty much just means you’re a mix of the two types.
What you should ask yourself: “Do I want to be diagnosed to help clear my past issues and get medication as support me with my focus?” or “Do I want my own doable daily systems so that I can finally stop struggling with my daily ADHD issues and start reaching my goals?”
What to do: Take the ADHD test here
Download a pdf of free ADHD tips and tools here —> MasterADHDnow.com.
Snag a FREE no obligation, 15 minute virtual coffee here.