Is there a difference between ADD and ADHD?
In short, there is no longer a formal difference.
“ADD” (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an outdated term. In current clinical practice, all diagnoses fall under ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder).
Today, health professionals use the term ADHD and describe how it presents in each individual. What used to be called ADD is now referred to as:
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
You might still hear “ADD” in everyday conversation, usually to describe someone who struggles with attention but is not obviously hyperactive. However, clinically, ADHD is the only diagnosis used.
What's on this page
The three presentations of ADHD
Rather than being separate conditions, ADHD is understood as a single condition with different presentations. These presentations describe the pattern of symptoms a person experiences.
1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation
(This is what people often mean when they say “ADD”)
This presentation primarily affects attention, organisation, and follow-through.
Common signs include:
- Difficulty sustaining attention
- Frequent daydreaming or “zoning out”
- Forgetfulness in daily tasks
- Losing track of conversations or instructions
- Struggling to organise tasks or manage time
Because these individuals are often not disruptive, their difficulties can go unnoticed—particularly in school or work settings.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation
This presentation is characterised by high activity levels and impulsivity.
Common signs include:
- Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
- Fidgeting or a constant need to move
- Interrupting others or speaking impulsively
- Acting quickly without considering consequences
3. Combined Presentation
This is when a person experiences both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms.
It is the most common presentation overall.
For example:
- Difficulty starting tasks due to inattention
- Getting distracted or switching tasks before finishing
- Feeling both mentally unfocused and physically restless
How ADHD can look different across the lifespan
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, meaning it is present from early in life. However, how it shows up can change over time.
In children
- Symptoms are often more visible and may include:
- Difficulty sitting still in class
- Making “careless” mistakes despite understanding the work
- Emotional frustration when tasks feel difficult
These behaviours are often noticed in structured environments like school.
In adults
ADHD often becomes less about physical activity and more about executive functioning (the brain’s ability to plan, organise, and follow through).
Common adult experiences include:
- Chronic procrastination (despite good intentions)
- Difficulty starting or completing tasks
- Forgetfulness and disorganisation
- Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities
- Mental fatigue or burnout from trying to “keep up”
Many adults describe this as a difficulty with getting started, staying on track, and finishing tasks.
Why inattentive ADHD is often overlooked
A common misconception is that ADHD always involves hyperactivity. This can lead to missed or delayed diagnosis, particularly for those with inattentive symptoms.
In children
Inattentive ADHD may be mistaken for:
- Daydreaming or lack of motivation
- “Careless” mistakes
- Disorganisation or forgetfulness
Because these children are often quiet, their challenges may be underestimated.
In adults
Without a diagnosis, people may interpret their experiences as personal failings rather than a neurodevelopmental condition.
Common challenges include:
- Difficulty initiating tasks
- Poor sense of time (“time blindness”)
- Inconsistent performance (e.g., hyper-focusing on some tasks but struggling with others)
Understanding ADHD can help shift this perspective from “laziness” to a difference in how the brain manages attention and regulation.
Why ADHD is often missed in girls and women
Historically, ADHD has been associated with young boys who are visibly hyperactive. As a result, many girls and women have been overlooked.
Key reasons include:
More internalised symptoms
- Rather than physical hyperactivity, many experience mental restlessness
- Symptoms may be mistaken for anxiety or stress
Masking and compensation
- Many women develop strategies to appear organised and cope socially
- This can hide underlying difficulties, often at the cost of significant effort
Later diagnosis
- Many women are diagnosed in adulthood, often after experiencing:
- Burnout
- Chronic overwhelm
- Ongoing difficulties with focus and organisation
The Harwick Psychological Services team is always happy to help. Please reach out if you have any questions.