What is the Difference Between ADD and ADHD?

The terms ADD and ADHD are often used interchangeably, which can make the topic confusing. While they describe related experiences, there is an important distinction in how these terms are used today and what they mean in a clinical context.

This guide explains the difference clearly, using plain language and up-to-date understanding.

How the Terminology Has Changed

ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. In the past, ADD was used to describe people who struggled mainly with attention but were not hyperactive.

Today, ADD is no longer a formal diagnosis.

Medical professionals now use ADHD as the umbrella term, with different presentations that describe how symptoms show up in daily life.

The Three Presentations of ADHD

Instead of ADD and ADHD being separate conditions, ADHD is now understood to appear in three main ways.

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

This is what people often mean when they say “ADD.”

People with this presentation may:

Struggle to focus or stay organised
Be easily distracted
Have difficulty following instructions
Appear forgetful or daydream often

Hyperactivity is not a major feature here, which is why this presentation was once labelled ADD.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

This presentation is more outwardly noticeable.

Common traits include:

Restlessness or constant movement
Difficulty sitting still
Interrupting other
Acting without thinking

Attention issues can still exist, but hyperactivity and impulsivity are more prominent.

3. Combined Presentation

This is the most common form of ADHD.

People with the combined presentation experience both:

Inattention
Hyperactivity and impulsivity

The balance of symptoms can change over time, especially between childhood and adulthood.

Why ADD Is Still Commonly Used

Even though ADD is no longer a clinical term, many people still use it because:

It feels more accurate to their experience
It avoids the stereotype of hyperactivity
It was the term used when they were first identified

However, in medical and diagnostic settings, ADHD is the correct and recognised term.

How ADHD Can Look Different in Adults and Children

ADHD is often associated with children, but it frequently continues into adulthood.

In adults, hyperactivity may appear as:

Mental restlessness rather than physical movement
Difficulty relaxing
Constantly feeling “on edge”

Inattention in adults often affects:

Time management
Work organisation
Relationships
Emotional regulation

This is one reason many adults seek clarity later in life.

Diagnosis and Assessment

Because symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression, and other conditions, proper evaluation matters.

A comprehensive ADHD assessment typically looks at:

Current symptoms
Childhood behaviour patterns
Impact on daily life
Information from multiple sources

This approach helps ensure that ADHD is identified accurately and not confused with other challenges.

Is One More Serious Than the Other?

Neither ADD nor ADHD is “more severe.” The impact depends on:

The individual’s symptoms
Their environment
The support they have

Someone with inattentive symptoms may struggle just as much as someone with hyperactivity, even if it looks different on the surface.

Why Understanding the Difference Matters

Understanding that ADD falls under the ADHD umbrella helps:

Reduce stigma
Improve access to support
Encourage accurate diagnosis
Set realistic expectations

It also helps people describe their experiences more clearly when seeking help.

Our Closing Thoughts

ADD and ADHD are not separate conditions. ADD is an older term that refers to what is now known as the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD. ADHD is the correct, current diagnosis, covering a range of attention-related and behavioural traits.

If attention difficulties are affecting daily life, learning the correct terminology and how symptoms present is an important first step toward clarity and support.