What Is ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often confused with its three presentations. This confusion arises due to the many similarities in their symptoms, despite the clear differences between the variants of the disorder. ADHD can affect children and may influence their attention, behaviour, and learning in classroom settings.
First, it’s important to know that ADHD is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder and is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in children. It is characterised by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty maintaining attention on a single task for an extended period. This can lead to problems with academic performance and personal relationships with family, friends, and teachers. However, it’s worth noting that anyone can experience some of these symptoms occasionally without necessarily having ADHD. In fact, a diagnosis involves several criteria, including symptoms that persist over time and occur in two or more settings.
Causes and Risk Factors of ADHD
Although the causes of ADHD are unknown, several studies have been conducted to determine if there are any factors that predispose a patient to developing this disorder. These studies suggest a significant genetic component.
Likewise, other more recent studies also consider that the family and social environments can drive symptoms but do not contribute to their appearance.
Three Presentations of ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has three presentations.
- Combined: This presentation is understood as the manifestation of the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity and inattention.
- Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: The person is often in a state of constant excitement, talks excessively, and is restless. In situations where they are expected to remain still, they constantly move, jump, and run around. Furthermore, they interrupt conversations or games and are unable to stay quiet.
- Predominantly inattentive: Problems stem from a lack of focus on any activity, leading to mistakes due to missing details. The person is easily distracted in any situation and often fails to finish what he starts. Occasionally he appears absent-minded.
ADHD and the Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
If we focus on the last two forms, it is true that both cases share the difficulty in maintaining attention and consistently following routines and instructions, but we find significant differences in terms of impulsivity or rashness. This variability corroborates the main differences between Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD.
Predominantly Inattentive Presentation of ADHD
The predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD involves a lack of attention and concentration, as well as the development of distractible behaviour. Children with this type of disorder are not overly active; rather, they are easily distracted, make careless mistakes, and avoid activities that require sustained mental effort and intense concentration. In fact, these signs are frequently misinterpreted, leading to children being considered lazy, unmotivated, and irresponsible. Often, the perception of the symptoms is incorrect.
Likewise, it is common for children with ADHD to experience confusion and inattention, leading to a significant loss of information, since they generally have greater difficulty retaining new information.
Hyperactive and Impulsive Symptoms of ADHD
However, individuals with ADHD are very restless when they are required to remain relaxed or seated. In certain situations, they cannot maintain their composure due to their hyperactivity. They are constantly talking and have difficulty remaining quiet. Furthermore, in certain situations, and compared to individuals with predominantly inattentive ADHD, they may exhibit greater aggression, which also leads to greater difficulties in establishing social relationships due to their impulsive nature.
What Is The Difference Between ADHD and ADD?
| Aspect | ADHD | ADD |
| Current terminology | ADHD is the current clinical term | ADD is an older term that is no longer used as a separate diagnosis |
| Main difference | ADHD can involve inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, or combined symptoms | Usually refers to what is now called the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD |
| Hyperactivity | May be present or absent, depending on the presentation | The term was commonly used when hyperactivity was not prominent |
| Diagnosis | Diagnosed using current ADHD diagnostic criteria | Not diagnosed separately from ADHD |
Treatment Options for ADHD and ADD
Both disorders can have their symptoms reduced through treatment. Various options are available, but all those close to the child and involved in their daily life should be involved, working professionally and in close coordination. Some ways to counteract ADHD or ADD include:
Behavioural Therapy
Behavioural therapy: Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help people with ADHD develop skills to improve their focus, organisation, and completion of daily tasks. CBT combines cognitive therapy, which studies thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs, with behavioural therapy, which focuses on behaviour in response to these thoughts. It aims to help people cope with and avoid negative thoughts and think more positively.
Pharmacotherapy
Pharmacotherapy: These medications can help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve functioning.
ADHD and ADD in Children
In conclusion, we can say that Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD are not two different disorders, and that they have distinct implications for children’s attention span, socio-educational development, and behaviour. Generally speaking, both manifest in childhood, but the main difference between them lies in the absence of hyperactive symptoms in children with the predominantly inattentive presentation of ADHD, who are more easily distracted.
Conclusion
ADHD is a neuro development disorder which can affect one‘s attention activities and impulse control. There are different presentations (types) of the disorder, such as, primarily inattentive type and the hyperactive-impulsive type. ADD is an older term that once defined the disorder but is not used anymore as an individual diagnosis. If you compare the two definitions, people can get a better understanding.
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