What’s the Difference Between ADD and ADHD? A Psychologist Explains
What’s the Difference Between ADD and ADHD?
If you’ve ever wondered whether you have ADD or ADHD—or whether there’s even a difference—you’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation, but they’re not exactly the same. Understanding the difference is important, especially for adults who may be navigating focus issues, emotional overwhelm, or patterns that were never named in childhood.
As a clinical psychologist who works with adults across California, I often help clients clarify what they’re experiencing, whether it’s distractibility, restlessness, difficulty following through, or an ongoing sense of being mentally overloaded. Many are surprised to learn that the label they grew up with—ADD—is no longer used in clinical diagnosis.
What is ADD?
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. It was once a common term used to describe individuals who struggled with attention and focus but did not exhibit hyperactivity. The term was widely used in the 1980s and 1990s and still shows up in casual language, but it is no longer an official diagnosis.
In 1994, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) updated the name to ADHD—Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder—to reflect a broader understanding of the condition. This update includes three subtypes, which help capture the different ways ADHD can show up.
The Three Subtypes of ADHD
ADHD is currently diagnosed in one of the following presentations:
ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type
This presentation is what many people used to call “ADD.” It includes symptoms like difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, being easily distracted, disorganization, and frequently losing items. Individuals may seem quiet or daydreamy rather than outwardly hyperactive.
ADHD, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
This type includes symptoms like restlessness, impulsivity, difficulty sitting still, excessive talking, and interrupting others. It is more likely to be recognized in childhood, especially in school settings.
ADHD, Combined Type
This is the most common diagnosis and includes symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity.
For adults, these symptoms often look different than they do in children. Hyperactivity may present as internal restlessness or chronic over-committing. Inattention might look like unfinished tasks, forgetfulness, or mental fatigue.
Why the Language Still Matters
Although the term ADD is technically outdated, it still resonates with many adults. Some clients say they always thought they had ADD but were never formally diagnosed. Others worry that because they are not outwardly hyperactive, their struggles are not valid.
In therapy and assessment, it is important to separate cultural myths from clinical understanding. ADHD is not a lack of intelligence or motivation. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how the brain organizes time, regulates emotion, and manages attention.
Diagnosis and treatment are not about labeling. They are about clarity. Many adults who have spent years feeling “lazy,” “disorganized,” or “too much” experience a deep sense of relief when their symptoms are understood through a psychological lens.
What Diagnosis and Treatment Can Offer
If you suspect you may have ADHD, a formal evaluation can help clarify whether your symptoms meet criteria and what next steps might be useful. Therapy can support the emotional and relational impact of ADHD, especially around shame, self-doubt, and interpersonal dynamics. Medication can be helpful for many, but is not the only treatment option.
As a psychologist, I also work with adults who were diagnosed in childhood but never received support tailored to adult life. The demands of work, relationships, and independence often bring ADHD symptoms into sharper focus. Therapy in this context focuses on executive functioning, self-worth, and sustainable systems for daily life.
In Summary
ADD and ADHD refer to the same condition. The difference lies in how the diagnosis is described and understood. If you identify with symptoms of inattention, restlessness, or emotional dysregulation, it is worth exploring whether ADHD might be part of the picture. Understanding your brain is not about limitation. It is about reclaiming agency.
If you are in California or New York seeking support for ADHD-related challenges, I offer virtual therapy designed to help you better understand your patterns, reduce overwhelm, and build a life that works with your mind—not against it.
