If you’ve been researching ADHD, you’ve probably come across both the terms ADD and ADHD. You may have wondered whether they describe different conditions or are simply different names for the same thing.

You may still hear people talk about ADD, especially adults who were diagnosed many years ago. However, doctors and psychologists no longer diagnose ADD as a separate condition. Instead, the term ADHD is now used for all recognised presentations, including those where inattention is the main difficulty rather than hyperactivity.

In this guide, Dr Sara Dowsett, a psychologist specialising in ADHD assessments, explains the difference between ADD and ADHD, why the terminology changed, how symptoms can present in children and adults, and what the current diagnostic guidance means if you’re considering an assessment.

What this article covers

• Is there a difference between ADD and ADHD?
• Why ADD is no longer an official diagnosis
• ADHD presentations explained
• ADD vs ADHD symptoms
• ADD vs ADHD in adults
• ADD vs ADHD in women
• Should you still use the term ADD?
• ADHD assessment and diagnosis

Is There a Difference Between ADD and ADHD?

The short answer is no.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) was the previous name for what is now diagnosed as ADHD.

Many people are surprised by this because they associate ADHD with someone who is constantly moving or unable to sit still. However, ADHD is far more varied than this.

Some people experience significant hyperactivity and impulsivity, while others primarily struggle with attention, organisation, memory, and focus. These individuals may appear calm on the outside but experience considerable difficulties internally.

Rather than representing two separate conditions, ADD is now considered part of the wider ADHD diagnosis.

Why Was ADD Changed to ADHD?

The understanding of ADHD has developed significantly over the past few decades.

Historically, clinicians used the diagnosis Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for people who mainly experienced difficulties with attention and concentration.

As research improved, it became clear that attention difficulties, impulsivity and hyperactivity were different ways in which the same underlying neurodevelopmental condition could present. 

This led to changes in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which now recognises ADHD as a single diagnosis with three distinct presentations. 

Today, clinicians no longer diagnose ADD as a separate condition. Instead, they assess whether an individual meets the criteria for one of the recognised ADHD presentations.

ADHD Presentations Explained

Although ADD is no longer an official diagnosis, many people who previously described themselves as having ADD would now meet the criteria for ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation.

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation (Formerly Often Called ADD)

This presentation is characterised mainly by difficulties with attention and executive functioning rather than obvious hyperactivity.

Common traits may include:

• Frequently losing focus during conversations or tasks
• Becoming easily distracted
• Forgetting appointments or daily responsibilities
• Difficulty organising work or school tasks
• Misplacing belongings
• Appearing forgetful 
• Daydreaming or seeming not to listen

People with this presentation are often overlooked because they may not display disruptive behaviour.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Some people experience fewer difficulties with attention but significant hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.

This may include:

• Constant fidgeting
• Difficulty remaining seated
• Talking excessively
• Interrupting conversations
• Acting before thinking
• Difficulty waiting their turn
• Feeling constantly “on the go”
• Acting impulsively

These behaviours are often more noticeable during childhood, particularly within structured environments such as school.

Combined Presentation

The combined presentation includes significant symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Many children and adults experience challenges across both areas, although symptoms can change over time.

For example, an adult may no longer appear physically hyperactive but continue to experience racing thoughts, restlessness, impulsive decision-making, and difficulties with attention and organisation.

Although this article focuses on the different presentations of ADHD, some people also wonder whether their experiences may be better explained by autism, or whether they could have both. You can learn more in our guide to Autism vs ADHD.

ADD vs ADHD Symptoms

One of the biggest misconceptions is that people with ADHD must always be hyperactive.

In reality, someone who would previously have been described as having ADD may never have appeared particularly energetic at all.

Previously Often Called ADD	Current ADHD Presentation
Daydreaming	Inattention remains a core symptom
Forgetfulness	Executive functioning difficulties
Poor concentration	Easily distracted
Losing belongings	Organisation difficulties
Appearing quiet	Hyperactivity may be absent
Difficulty completing tasks	ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

By comparison, someone with combined ADHD may also experience:

• Frequent fidgeting
• Impulsive behaviour
• Difficulty sitting still
• Excessive talking
• Restlessness
• Interrupting conversations

ADD vs ADHD in Adults

Many adults still describe themselves as having ADD because that was the terminology used when they were younger.

Others prefer the term because they do not identify with the stereotype of someone who is obviously hyperactive.

In adulthood, ADHD often looks very different from childhood.

Rather than running around the room or climbing on furniture, adults may experience:

• Mental restlessness
• Racing thoughts
• Chronic procrastination
• Difficulty prioritising tasks
• Forgetfulness
• Losing track of conversations
• Poor time management
• Feeling overwhelmed by everyday responsibilities

Many adults also develop coping strategies that mask some of the more visible symptoms, making ADHD more difficult to recognise.

Although someone may continue to use the word ADD informally, they would now receive an ADHD diagnosis if they met the current diagnostic criteria.

ADD vs ADHD in Women

The term ADD is particularly common among women.

Historically, many girls were less likely to display obvious hyperactive behaviour than boys. Instead, they often experienced inattentive symptoms such as:

• Daydreaming
• Quietness
• Forgetfulness
• Disorganisation
• Difficulty concentrating
• Internal anxiety
• Emotional overwhelm

Because these traits were less disruptive in the classroom, many girls were overlooked or misdiagnosed.

As adults, some women continue to identify with the term ADD because it feels more representative of their experiences than the stereotype many people associate with ADHD.

However, under current diagnostic guidance, these individuals would typically receive a diagnosis of ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation.

If you’re interested in how ADHD can present differently in women, you can also read our guide to ADHD traits in women.

Why Do People Still Say ADD?

Despite no longer being an official diagnosis, the term ADD remains widely used.

There are several reasons for this.

Some people were diagnosed before the terminology changed and have continued using the same language throughout their lives.

Others use ADD because they feel it better describes their experiences, particularly if they have never considered themselves hyperactive.

Media coverage, books, online communities and everyday conversations have also kept the term in common use.

Although ADD is no longer used medically, most healthcare professionals will immediately understand what someone means when they use it.

Does It Matter Whether You Say ADD or ADHD?

In everyday conversation, using the term ADD is unlikely to confuse.

However, from a clinical perspective, ADHD is the correct terminology used by healthcare professionals today.

Understanding this distinction can be helpful when reading information online or preparing for an assessment, as most modern guidance, research and support resources now use ADHD rather than ADD.

Ultimately, the most important thing is not which term you use, but whether the difficulties you are experiencing are recognised and properly understood.

The ⁠ADHD Foundation also explains that ADHD presents differently from person to person, and that many common stereotypes fail to reflect the wide range of experiences people have.

ADHD Assessment

If difficulties with attention, organisation, impulsivity or executive functioning are affecting everyday life, an ADHD assessment can help provide clarity and guidance.

Assessment involves exploring your developmental history, current experiences, and how symptoms affect different areas of daily life. Where appropriate, information may also be gathered from family members, partners or schools to build a complete understanding of your experiences.

Whether you’ve always referred to it as ADD, or you’re only just beginning to question whether ADHD could explain your experiences, an assessment can provide clarity. Rather than focusing on the label itself, the assessment explores how your symptoms affect everyday life and whether they meet the current diagnostic criteria for ADHD.

If you’re considering a private ADHD assessment, Dr Sara Dowsett offers comprehensive assessments for both children and adults, providing a clear understanding of your strengths, challenges and personalised recommendations for ongoing support.

Book a Child ADHD Assessment

Book an Adult ADHD Assessment

A Reassuring Final Thought

If you’ve ever wondered whether you have ADD or ADHD, you’re certainly not alone. The terminology has changed over time, understandably confusing for many people.

The important thing to remember is that ADD and ADHD do not describe two separate conditions. Instead, ADHD is now the recognised medical diagnosis, with different presentations that reflect how symptoms affect each individual.

Whether your difficulties involve attention, organisation, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or a combination of these experiences, gaining a better understanding of how your brain works can be an important first step towards accessing appropriate support.

If you’re ready to take the next step, you can book a private ADHD assessment with Dr Sara Dowsett for children, young people or adults.

If you’re still exploring whether ADHD may explain your experiences, you can also complete one of our free ADHD screening tests before deciding whether to seek a formal assessment.