The Daydreamers and the Energizer Bunnies

Sometimes it’s difficult to understand the differences between attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Througout the years, ADHD has been given many names. ADD is a term that was used in the past and is still used often today. The terms were once used separately, but have since been combined under one label of ADHD. Basically, there are three types of ADHD:

  1. Predominantly hyperactive/impulsive ADHD
  2. Predominantly inattentive ADHD (formerly ADD)
  3. A combination ADHD

It does not matter anymore what type of ADHD is present, it is still classified as ADHD; however, beyond the name, it’s important to understand the differences between the three types.

Predominantly Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD

These children are always on the move and never seem to tire. Imagine them as little Energizer bunnies with an unlimited amount of energy. They need to be active at all times, making sitting virtually impossible. Their impulsiveness makes it difficult for them to wait their turn, which leads to blurting out and interruptions. They may have difficulty understanding and respecting personal space. They grab other’s toys, invade their space, and may appear to be less mature than other children their age.

Predominantly Inattentive ADHD (formerly ADD)

Children who exhibit predominantly inattentive behaviors act very differently from the impulsive child. These daydreamers’ behaviors appear at the opposite end of the spectrum. They often are disorganized and make careless mistakes, mostly due to their inablity to focus, especially on details. They seem spacey or forgetful and move from task to task without completing any of them fully. Listening to directions is often skipped as they jump right in and begin, only to find themselves confused and upset with the outcome. These children are not disruptive and are often well-behaved, making their problem easier to overlook. Many feel they just need to “try harder”. Because this type is more difficult to detect, it often goes undiagnosed. This ultimately hurts the child as the constant failure can lead to depression and other emotional issues in the future.

Combination ADHD

Combination types of ADHD involve children who exhibit both inattentive behaviors as well as hyperactive and impulsive behaviors. These children exhibit behaviors contained in both of the descriptions above. Combination ADHD is the most common type of ADHD, and the most complex to treat. Early diagnosis is key and several interventions may be used to help the child function successfully.