ADHD / ADD Support Group

ADD is attention deficit disorder,ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are degrees of both. Look at the CHADD, and addvance websites. Both give good information. You can also look in the DSM IV. There would be too much to say here to explain, but those organizations are a good place to start. They have links to even more resources on their sites. Good luck, I hope I helped.

They are both basically the same thing now but ADD does not have the hyperactive part of the disorder. otherwise same thing.

I have an opinion, even though I'm new myself to ADD...All ADD involves Hyperactivity. Some of it is Inside and some outside the Mind/brain. I'm somewhat disappointed by the fact that all these Psychiatrists, Psychologists, and Counselors have forgotten the teachings of Carl G. Jung who divides us into Extraverts and Introverts. The Extraverted (ADHD) types are just physically hyperactive, while the Introverted (ADD)types are "spaced out", in their own hyperactive internal mindscape.

Both the American Pyschiatric Association (APA) and the Canadian Psychiatric association recently renamed ADdd/ADHD back to its orginial name of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and instead, classified 3 subtypes of the disorder.

While ADHD-PI(Predominantly Inatentive) is commonly referred to as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) without hyperactivity, the terms "ADD" and "attention-deficit disorder" are no longer recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV).

The 3 subtypes, and their criteria according to the DSM-IV are as follows:

Inattention
1. Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities.
2. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions).
5. Often has trouble organizing activities.
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework).
7. Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools).
8. Is often easily distracted.
9. Often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity
1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Often gets up from seat when remaining in seat is expected.
3. Often runs about or climbs when and where it is not appropriate (adolescents or adults may feel very restless).
4. Often has trouble playing or enjoying leisure activities quietly.
5. Is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor".
6. Often talks excessively.

Impulsivity
1. Often blurts out answers before questions have been finished.
2. Often has trouble waiting one's turn.
3. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).

The bottom line is, ADD is a term only used to refer to the Predominantly Inattentive subtype of ADHD.

Thanks Wired, and that's my point. "Activity" can be physically and non-physically observed; mental "hyperactivity" cannot be observed...no one can see another's thoughts. My complaint is one of semantics: that "hyperactivity" only refers to physically observable sensations by one of the five basic human senses. I guess I'm just in the mood to bitch about minutiae...sorry.I suppose it's because I see myself as an Introvert and feel left-out and defensive when if "MY" hyperactivity cannot be observed, then I cannot be hyper-active...BooHoo!

Richeart....I know for sure that one of my sons is outwardly hyperactive..while the other has a mind that is running a light speed....so, is it possible that maybe, just maybe you are not the only one that sees you as hyperactive? Just a thought..and btw...we all have days we want to b*tch and complain....no biggy! :o)

Good read...

What are those exact websites listing differences?

Yea Ive recently found out I have "ADD." Racing thoughts & easily distracted etc....
Can you grow out of ADD?

When I was a child they wanted to put me on ritalin. But parents refused. (good thing)......

I've just been diagnosed with ADD at 37, but I'm hyperactive sometimes too. I try and hide it so I internalise it -I feel I'm forever trying to control it which is exhausting sometimes. I get terrible tension headaches and clench my jaw as a result and my innattention and irritability gets even worse.

37 eh....

Yea...

"I'm forever trying to control it which is exhausting sometimes"

let it be!!!
We are who we are lol....
Lets just use our strengths and weaknesses to our advantage SIMPLE!
mm...

We have to accept our differences eh.... im in the process now. I accept them sort of... In the process of "knowing them'.....
... We all have to control our selves wright? lol.

wish it was a SIMPLE as that!
But I gotta work to live, and I don't want to get on everyones nerves. I've been sacked from three jobs so I've learnt from experience!! I don't always get away with being the 'zany/mental/reactive art director/creative especially as I get older! Yes but we do all a have to behave ourselves lol!
I'm in the process of 'knowing myself' too.
I've only known for three weeks, its been a real eye opener.
I feel much better about myself than I ever have done in my life as I know the reasons why now...