ADD and ADHD: Are They Different?

ADHD can involve difficulties with attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in different combinations. Someone may have prominent inattentive features without appearing physically overactive, which is often what people mean when they use the term ADD.

An assessment looks for a persistent pattern that began during childhood, appears in more than one setting, and interferes with learning, work, relationships, organisation, or daily responsibilities. Examples include losing essential items, missing details, struggling to start or finish tasks, interrupting, acting before considering consequences, or feeling internally restless.

Difficulty concentrating alone does not establish ADHD. Anxiety, low mood, poor sleep, learning differences, substance use, medication effects, and some physical conditions can produce similar problems. A clinician explores these possibilities rather than deciding from a brief checklist alone.

Keep examples of when attention or impulse control causes difficulty, where it happens, and how it affects daily life. School reports, comments from caregivers or a partner, and a history of childhood behaviour can help the assessment. Note sleep patterns, mood, anxiety, medicines, caffeine, and substance use because each may shape symptoms.

Support can include structured routines, reminders, breaking tasks into smaller actions, environmental adjustments, skills-based therapy, education for family members, and medication when clinically appropriate. The plan should address the person's priorities and any coexisting condition.

Request an assessment when attention, restlessness, impulsive behaviour, irritability, or disorganisation repeatedly disrupts education, employment, relationships, finances, driving, or self-care. Seek urgent help if there are thoughts of suicide or self-harm, dangerous impulsive behaviour, severe agitation, hallucinations, or an inability to stay safe.

Consider asking what information is needed from childhood, which other causes will be assessed, whether sleep or mood needs separate attention, and which non-medication and medication options fit your circumstances. If medicine is proposed, discuss expected benefits, common adverse effects, monitoring, and interactions with other substances.