ADD and ADHD are two different names given to the same disease – Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. When this disease became known to the scientific world, they named it “Attention Deficit Disorder” or ADD. In the mid 1990s, the disease was renamed as ADHD, to ensure that the name covered all aspects of the disease. Some people still continue to refer this ailment as ADD, while the scientific community sticks to the newer name of ADHD. Since this disease affects people in two different ways – inattentiveness and hyperactivity, some Doctors and scientists choose to differentiate or classify the symptoms by choosing either of the names. People who predominantly suffer from inattentiveness symptoms are called as ADD afflicted people and others suffering from predominantly hyperactivity symptoms are referred to as ADHD patients, even though the scientific name is ADHD for all symptoms.

ADD afflicted people are lethargic and appear to be disinterested in their activities. They are also unable to pay attention to their work at hand and get easily distracted. They are also incapable of completing their work and also have problems with timelines. Inattention will also lead to error prone work and these errors are also often repeated; they do not seem to learn from their mistakes. These symptoms are so generic that they can be easily misconstrued as behavioral tendencies which can be overcome easily with some discipline. But, people with ADD are incapable of changing their ways and will continue to show symptoms and unacceptable behavior till medication and behavioral therapy is given to them. It is important to consult an expert if these symptoms persist for a long time.

symptoms of add include uncontrolled hyperactivity and recklessness. People can show utter disregard to safety and protocol and impulsively act. Impulsiveness can be as harmless as blurting out inappropriate comments or as serious as crossing a road, without checking for oncoming vehicles. This is not periodic impulsivity but prolonged and sustained recklessness. symptoms of add also include fidgetiness and inability to sit still even for a short duration of time. It is easier to understand these symptoms with children but not so easy with adults. Adults can control some of their impulsiveness but children cannot. Adults with ADHD also display extreme energy but are unable to channel it in the correct way. They are also unable to complete their jobs, in spite of their high energy.