ADD vs ADHD: Symptoms, Differences, and What It Means for Adults

ADHD
Written By Joseph Niezer

The difference between ADD and ADHD is simple: Today, they are one in the same. ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) is an older term that was once used to describe people with attention-related symptoms but without hyperactivity.

However, the term was retired in the 1990s when new mental health standards were published, and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is now the official diagnosis used by mental health professionals.

While many people still use the term ADD in everyday conversation, clinicians now diagnose all forms of the condition as ADHD, including presentations with or without hyperactivity.

 

ADD vs ADHD: What's the Difference?

If you’ve ever wondered why some people with an ADHD diagnosis are quiet daydreamers while others are engaged but can’t sit still, it’s because ADHD diagnosis have three subtypes: 

  • Predominantly Inattentive Type (formerly ADD): Left untreated, signs include trouble focusing, staying organized and follow-through. It does not include hyperactivity.

  • Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type: Individuals with this type often show signs of physical restlessness, fidgeting, and impulsiveness. They often lack the inactivity symptoms. 

  • Combined Type: This includes a mix of both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms. 

An individual past diagnosed with ADD, would now carry diagnosis of ADHD, inattentive type rather than ADD. 

 

ADHD Symptoms in Adults

While ADHD can look different with age, many of the core signs and symptoms remain the same in children and adults. In fact, for an adult to be diagnosed with ADHD, symptoms must have been present before age 12. The challenge is that those signs are often missed, misunderstood, or brushed off in childhood.

As a result, many people don't realize they have ADHD until adulthood, when responsibilities like college, work, managing a household, or staying organized make those challenges harder to ignore.

If attention or focus problems seem to appear out of nowhere in adulthood, ADHD may not be the cause. Stress, anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and other conditions can all make it harder to concentrate and can sometimes look a lot like ADHD.

Signs of untreated ADHD in adults are divided between inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

 

Common signs of inattentive ADHD include:

Common signs of inattentive ADHD include:

  • Difficulty staying focused during conversations, meetings, or longer tasks
  • Frequently overlooking details or making careless mistakes
  • Struggling to get started or finish tasks, especially those that require sustained mental effort
  • Ongoing challenges with organization, planning, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
  • Putting off tasks that require extended focus, such as studying, paperwork, or planning
  • Frequently misplacing everyday items like keys, phones, wallets, or important documents
  • Becoming easily distracted by thoughts, surroundings, or unrelated tasks
  • Forgetting appointments, deadlines, or day-to-day responsibilities

Common signs of Hyperactivity/Impulsivity ADHD include:

  • Fidgeting, tapping hands or feet, or difficulty staying still while seated
  • Feeling restless or “on the go,” as if driven by a constant internal motor
  • Leaving their seat in situations where staying seated is expected
  • Talking excessively or having difficulty moderating conversation
  • Blurting out answers before questions are finished or interrupting others
  • Struggling to wait their turn in conversations, lines, or group settings
  • Acting quickly without thinking through consequences, often seeking immediate rewards
  • Becoming easily frustrated, especially when required to wait or slow down
  • Finding it difficult to relax or engage in quiet, low-stimulation activities
 

Symptoms of ADHD in Women 

While the core symptoms of ADHD remain the same between women and men, we have noticed some differences in how they manifest. To start, boys are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently than girls as their symptoms are outward—restlessness, disruptive behavior. Girls often display internalized symptoms, which can get overlooked.

Over time, many women develop coping strategies that help them “mask” ADHD symptoms in order to stay organized and meet social expectations. Because of this, ADHD can sometimes go unrecognized for years.

Working with a psychologist who specializes in ADHD can help bring clarity to what’s going on and whether ADHD is an underlying factor.

Adult ADHD Testing:
When and How to Get a Diagnosis

  • Suggest when patient should consider testing

  • Softly transition to diagnosis and treatment

  • Non-aggressive CTA

It’s estimated that more than 15 million adults have been diagnosed with ADHD in the U.S.—plus countless more who haven’t received a formal diagnosis. As conversations around mental health continue to open up, more people are choosing to better understand their symptoms and take steps toward support.

If focus, organization, or impulsivity challenges are starting to interfere with daily life, it may be worth considering an evaluation. Seeking an assessment isn’t about labeling yourself—it’s about gaining clarity and finding strategies that actually help.

ADHD is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation with a mental health professional. This typically includes a review of current symptoms, as well as medical, social, and family history. At Circle City Psychiatry, we approach ADHD testing in a supportive, nonjudgmental setting designed to help you feel comfortable throughout the process. If ADHD is identified, treatment options may include a mix of therapy, coaching strategies, and medication as part of a broader care plan.

Reaching out for an evaluation can feel like a big step, but for many people, it’s also the beginning of finally making sense of their experience and getting the right kind of support. When you’re ready, our team is here. 

Joseph Niezer