ADHD vs ADD: what's the difference?

Short answer: ADD is the old name. Since 1994, doctors use ADHD as the single term. What people call 'ADD' today is ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation.

Where the term ADD came from

In 1980 the DSM-III introduced "attention deficit disorder" (ADD), with or without hyperactivity. In 1987 it was renamed ADHD, and in 1994 the DSM-IV defined subtypes under the one ADHD name. The current DSM-5-TR calls them "presentations".

The three ADHD presentations

• Predominantly inattentive (what many still call ADD): focus, organization and forgetfulness are the main difficulties.
• Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive: restlessness, fidgeting, interrupting and impulsive actions dominate.
• Combined: significant symptoms in both areas — the most common presentation.

Quick comparison

• "ADD" / inattentive: daydreaming, losing track, quiet, often diagnosed later.
• Hyperactive-impulsive: visible restlessness, talking a lot, acting before thinking.
• In adults: hyperactivity often turns into inner restlessness, so many adults look "inattentive" from the outside.

Why the name matters

Using the current term helps when you talk to a doctor or search for reliable information. Whatever you call it, the same evaluation process applies.

Find out which patterns fit you

The ADHDly test scores attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity separately, so you can see which side is stronger for you.

Important to know

This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. An online self-test cannot diagnose ADHD — only a qualified healthcare professional can. If you are struggling, please talk to your doctor.

More ADHD guides

• Adult ADHD symptoms
• ADHD test for women
• Inattentive ADHD test
• How to get an ADHD diagnosis