subject: ADD vs ADHD - Sorting Out The Confusion [print this page] Author: Robert William Locke Author: Robert William Locke
If you have an alphabet kid, he or she may have been labeled with ADD or ADHD, OCD, Aspergers, NLD (non verbal learning disorder) or a host of the so-called co-morbid disorders which pediatricians are so fond of using. But is there a difference between ADD vs ADHD? The short answer is no. So, thankfully, that is one less acronym we have to deal with. But the ADD vs ADHD confusion, how did this come about? Attention deficit disorder (ADD) was first used about thirty years ago. Because it was observed that many children fidget constantly and are hyperactive while adults multi task, it was felt that there was something missing in the definition. That was in 1994 and the definition was then changed to ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) as more and more had been discovered about ADHD/ADD differences. It was about the same period that the DSM -IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) which is the handbook recommended by most medical bodies such as the American Psychiatric Association was changed to reflect this and to put an end to the ADD vs ADHD confusion. This handbook is now used by most practitioners in the field. ADHD is now the umbrella term and is divided into three types which perhaps more accurately describe this mental condition. The first type is known as ADHD - primarily inattentive subtype where inattention, distraction, problems in finishing tasks and short attention span are the predominant symptoms. The second type is known as ADHD Hyperactive /Impulsive where constant motion, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior dominate. The third type is the ADHD Combined subtype where both the symptoms of the first two subtypes are present. The advantage of this subdivision is that there is no longer any need for the definition ADD as it seems it has now been pensioned off, so in a way there is less confusion with just having ADHD sorted into three subtypes. The only problem is however that the umbrella term has 'hyperactivity' in it to describe the first subtype where no hyperactivity is actually present so in that sense, it is a misnomer. Everyone is waiting to see if the new edition of DSM (Edition V) will address this issue or not and finally bury the ADD vs ADHD debate! Well, although the ADD vs ADHD confusion has been sorted out, the problem of treatment for ADHD has not and there is now so much controversy surrounding ADHD medications that it is a minefield for any parent entering it. I have one simple rule and that is to look at all the options carefully. But the drug companies are actually campaigning actively to make sure that the ADHD homeopathic lobby is discredited. That is unfair and that is why I urge all parents to look at ADHD homeopathic remedies with an open mind. The great advantage is that there are no side effects and no health risks at all. Why not click through to get more information on this inexpensive and effective option. About the Author:
Discover what is the best ADHD therapy Experts now tell us that child behavior problems can be solved with behavior therapy combined with a natural treatment for ADHD . Robert Locke is a Health enthusiast who specializes in Children's Health. He has written extensively on ADHD.
