Is it ADD or ADHD?

What’s in a Name?

Is it ADD or ADHD?

In a recent issue of Attention Magazine, CHADD says that from now on they will be using the name AD/HD when discussing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They state that since this is the official name, and they are the “largest organization for people with AD/HD” they feel that they should use the correct name.

One “Disorder”, Many Names

“AD/HD” is only the latest of several name changes over the years. The problem with labels is that they are a better reflection of the level of knowledge at a given time than they are a reflection of what is actually going on. In 1902, these children were said to have a “Lack of Moral Control”; by the 1960’s, they were “Minimally Brain Damaged”. We now know that neither term is fully accurate.

What is AD/HD?

The Official Diagnostic Criteria for AD/HD divides symptoms into two groups: symptoms of inattention and symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity. However, AD/HD has “unofficially” been divided into several subtypes by various doctors and researchers. The most common practice is to separate Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder from ADD/WO, or Attention Deficit Without Hyperactivity, also called “ADD, primarily inattentive type”. These patients have trouble with focus and inattention, but lack the hyperactivity. An online test by Dr. Daniel Amen divides ADD into Six Subtypes.

These categories include:

1. Classic (DSM-IV) combined type, in which both inattention and hyperactivity are present;

2. Classic (DSM-IV) predominantly hyperactive type – meet requirements for hyperactivity but shows LESS THAN SIX examples of inattention;

3. Classic (DSM-IV) primarily inattentive type, or ADD/WO;

4. Overfocused type, in which the patient “brainlocks” onto specific tasks at the expense of everything else;

5. Depressive subtype, which combines ADD and Depression;

5. Explosive subtype (10-15% of ADD people) including violent acts up to and including homicide.

 

Three Fingers and a Thumb?

Ever notice that Mickey Mouse is always drawn with only three fingers and a thumb?

In practice, AD/HD and all of its subtypes been lumped together under the umbrella term of “ADD” (pronounced: “A – D – D”). This has happened for several reasons, not the least of which is that people who write about ADD tend to get tired of having to type that stupid /H all the time. But perhaps the more compelling reason is that regardless of hyperactivity, the basic problems are the same – an inability to sustain focus on a required task.

For those of us who live with it. ADD has also come to mean a number of other things as well. There are a lot more “symptoms” common to ADD people than the DSM-IV would state.

To me, it makes sense to use the umbrella term “ADD” until something better comes along. Everybody should be able to name their “disorder”.


 

Posted in Articles, Articles On Learning Disabilities.