ADHD vs. ADD – What’s the Difference?

For several years, ADD, or attention deficit disorder, was a diagnosis applied to children or adults with difficulty paying attention, sitting still, or following through on tasks. However, the term ADD is no longer in use, as it has been replaced by ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Individuals with symptoms of ADHD, but without the hyperactivity or impulsivity features, are diagnosed with ADHD, Inattentive Type. This represents a subtype of ADHD in which the main symptom is inattention.

ADHD symptoms can vary, with children, adults, and each gender displaying their own unique characteristic expressions of the disorder.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people of all ages. Recent studies have found that an “estimated that 6% of U.S. adults have an ADHD diagnosis, and about half of those adults received their diagnosis in adulthood.” However, it is likely that many cases are not properly diagnosed and assessed, so the true figure may be higher.

The core symptoms of ADHD are:

• Inattention – difficulty sustaining focus, following instructions, or organizing tasks.
• Hyperactivity – excessive movement or restlessness, often in inappropriate settings.
• Impulsivity – hasty actions taken without forethought that may pose a risk.
  

While everyone may experience these traits from time to time, individuals with ADHD experience them consistently and in ways that interfere with school, work, and relationships.

Science has not yet determined the exact cause of ADHD. Some risk factors that have been identified include:

• Low birth weight
• Genetics, or a family history of ADHD
• Exposure in utero to alcohol, drugs, or nicotine through the pregnant mother
• Exposure to lead, PCBs, or pesticides
• Brain injury
• Faulty signaling through neural pathways

Due to a number of factors, ADHD is more often recognized in males than females. In addition, individuals with ADHD have an increased risk of co-occurring disorders, such as depression, learning disabilities, or substance abuse.

Research also shows that ADHD rarely exists in isolation. According to a study published in BMC Psychiatry, “The most frequent comorbid psychopathologies include mood and anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, and personality disorders. There are strong familial links and neurobiological similarities between ADHD and the various associated psychiatric comorbidities.”

How ADHD Symptoms Vary by Age Group

ADHD symptoms can shift over time, with different challenges emerging during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Recognizing how these symptoms evolve can help with accurate diagnosis and timely support.

ADHD Symptoms in Children

Children most commonly diagnosed with ADHD struggle to stay on task, to pay attention to their teacher, or control their emotions, and may also exhibit:

• Difficulty sitting still or staying seated
• Frequent interruptions or blurting out in class
• Fidgeting or tapping
• Playing in overly rough or loud ways
• Daydreaming or appearing “off-task”
• Struggling with emotional regulation
• Talking more than peers or at inappropriate times

ADHD Symptoms in Teens

In this age group, the most recognized symptoms revolve around socializing issues, such as:

• Impulsive behaviors
• Relationship problems
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention
• Restlessness; easily bored
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty completing assignments and test-taking
• Substance use

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

In adults, the symptoms often relate to job performance and stress management, such as:

• Missing due dates for projects or important meetings
• Easily overwhelmed by routine tasks
• Struggles with boredom, even in stimulating environments
• Low tolerance for frustration
• Difficulty controlling anger
• Difficulty delaying gratification
• Difficulty delaying gratification

Because symptoms are influenced by life stage, stress levels, and environment, ADHD can be easily overlooked, especially in individuals who develop coping strategies or are misdiagnosed with other conditions.

What is ADD, or ADHD, Inattentive Type?

The term “ADD” was once used to describe individuals who primarily experienced distractibility, forgetfulness, and trouble focusing, but not hyperactivity. Today, this presentation is formally recognized as ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type.

This type may manifest itself in the following ways:

• Prone to distraction
• Inability to complete routine obligations
• Misplacing items frequently (keys, phones, paperwork)
• May appear to be not listening when someone is talking to them
• Difficulty staying focused on tasks, and/or hyper-focusing on inconsequential tasks
• Missing details or making careless mistakes
• Avoiding tasks that require sustained focus
• Hyper-focus on low priorities, or unimportant things

The Link Between ADHD and Addiction

ADHD and substance use disorders often overlap, especially when the condition goes undiagnosed or untreated. Many individuals turn to alcohol, cannabis, or stimulants in an attempt to manage the restlessness, distraction, or emotional stress that come with ADHD. This form of self-medication can quickly evolve into dependence, particularly when prescription stimulants like Adderall are misused.

There are several overlapping risk factors for both ADHD and addiction:

• Genetics: A strong hereditary link exists for both conditions. Children with ADHD are about four times more likely to have a family history of the disorder. These same genetic vulnerabilities may also increase the likelihood of developing substance use issues.
• Toxic Exposure: Exposure to substances like lead or prenatal exposure to alcohol or tobacco can increase the risk of both ADHD and later addiction.
• Trauma or Brain Injury: While less common, head trauma or neurological events like stroke can contribute to the development of ADHD and may also increase emotional instability, a known risk factor for substance misuse.

In many cases, the cycle begins early. Struggles with focus and behavior in childhood can lead to academic and social difficulties, setting the stage for low self-esteem and impulsive decision-making in adolescence and adulthood. Without effective intervention, this can make the temporary relief of substances feel like a solution—until it becomes its own source of harm.

Integrated Treatment for ADHD and Substance Use

Ashley Addiction Treatment, formerly Father Martin’s Ashley, is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in integrated, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and is accredited by The Joint Commission. We offer holistic care that encompasses the mind, body and spirit through inpatient and outpatient treatment, and provide drug detox, relapse prevention plans, family wellness programs and a variety of other services tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our driving principle – “everything for recovery” – reinforces our mission to transform and save lives through the science of medicine, the art of therapy and the compassion of spirituality, and is complemented by our philosophy of healing with respect and dignity. For information about our comprehensive programs, please call (866) 313-6307.