


Let us look at the timeline of changes in the terms for behavioral disorder –

However, this change was a bit controversial, and therefore, to date the confusion exists. Similarly, in the year 1987, the term ADD was officially replaced by ADHD. In 1987, the American Psychiatric Association, which releases this reference manual, released a revised edition of it where they combined the two subtypes of ADD namely, ADD with hyperactivity and ADD without hyperactivity, and called it one condition of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD.
DIFERENT TYPES OF ADD VS ADHD MANUAL
The term ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder first came into the picture in the third edition of the DSM (DSM-3) or “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders”, which is basically a reference manual to guide mental health professionals in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. In the year 1980, a behavioral disorder called the Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood was officially replaced by the term ADD when the classification of the condition was redefined. The American Psychological Association or APA is the primary organization that does the same for mental health conditions. Since all medical conditions prevail globally, there has to be a standardized term, a fixed diagnosis, and proven techniques of treatment for each of them. Today, this behavioral or mental condition is known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD but unofficially we still find the term ADD being loosely thrown around.Īs over the years, the terms have changed multiple times, there is still some confusion even after ADD was officially replaced by ADHD. The name of this condition changed several terms, primarily due to advancements in scientific research and study. In earlier times, Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD was used to refer to the behavioral condition of challenges that stem from either overactivity or difficulty in paying attention. In this comprehensive article, we will clear the cloud over the two medical terms, discuss the subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, shed light on the fact why the term ADD is no longer used, and will also highlight the situations when the term ADD is used unofficially. Many people consider Attention Deficit Disorder or ADD as a subtype of ADHD, but if we look at the current medical timeline, these subtypes no longer exist. However, till today there is much more confusion surrounding the two terms and more often than not, these terms get used interchangeably to refer to the same condition. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD is referred to as a behavioral condition that involves challenges relating to either difficulty in paying attention or overactivity to the point that it becomes extremely difficult for an individual to go about their normal day-to-day life.ĪDD or Attention deficit disorder was also used in referring to this behavioral condition but with extensive research and studies done on the condition, experts and health professionals have replaced the term ADD as an outdated term since it does not cover all the symptoms of this mental condition.
