ADD Symptoms

While many people use the terms ADD and ADHD to mean the same thing, ADD symptoms are related specifically to poor concentration and a lack of attention. In contrast, symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity are more characteristic of ADHD. It generally takes several months for these symptoms to appear, with impulsiveness and hyperactivity often appearing before inattention. Many children may exhibit these symptoms to a lesser degree, so before an accurate diagnosis can be made, a well-qualified professional should perform a thorough examination.

 

ADD Symptoms: An Overview

ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The condition used to be known as attention deficit disorder, or ADD. In 1994, ADD was renamed ADHD. As is common in conversation, for this article we will use ADD, ADHD, and AD/HD interchangeably to mean the same condition.
 
The principal ADHD symptoms are (as explained in the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM-IV-TR]):
 
  • Inattention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity.
     
Today's definition of ADD symptoms does not include the hyperactivity or impulsivity components of this list.
 
ADD symptoms appear early in a child's life. Because many normal children may have possible ADD symptoms, but at a low level (or the symptoms may be caused by another disorder), it is important that the child receive a thorough examination and appropriate ADD diagnosis by a well-qualified professional.
(ADD Symptoms Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD