For several years, ADD, or attention deficit disorder, was a diagnosis applied to children or adults with difficulty paying attention, sitting still, or following through on tasks. However, the term ADD is no longer in use, as it has been replaced by ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Individuals with symptoms of ADHD, but without the hyperactivity or impulsivity features, are diagnosed with ADHD, Inattentive Type. This represents a subtype of ADHD in which the main symptom is inattention.

ADHD symptoms can vary, with children, adults, and each gender displaying their own unique characteristic expressions of the disorder.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that can affect people of all ages. According to the American Psychiatric Association, ADHD is a chronic medical condition that affects an estimated 5% of children and 2.5% of adults.

Many are first diagnosed with the disorder in childhood, usually in the early primary grades. However, others may live for decades trying to compensate for the frustrating symptoms associated with undiagnosed ADHD.

The main features of ADHD include inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. While these traits are common in most of us, in individuals with ADHD they are more pronounced, occur more often, and can interfere with daily functioning.

Science has not yet determined the exact cause of ADHD. Some risk factors that have been identified include:

  • Low birth weight
  • Genetics, or a family history of ADHD
  • Exposure in utero to alcohol, drugs, or nicotine through the pregnant mother
  • Exposure to lead, PCBs, or pesticides
  • Brain injury
  • Faulty signaling through neural pathways

Due to a number of factors, ADHD is more often recognized in males than females. In addition, individuals with ADHD have an increased risk of co-occurring disorders, such as depression, learning disabilities, or substance abuse.

Symptoms of ADHD by Age Group

ADHD can present differently depending on age group. 

ADHD Symptoms in Children. Children most commonly diagnosed with ADHD struggle to stay on task, to pay attention to their teacher, or control their emotions, and may also exhibit:

  • Inability to sit still
  • Frequent interruptions of classmates
  • Fidgeting
  • Playing too roughly
  • Higher than average emotional sensitivity
  • Daydreaming
  • Struggles with self-control
  • More frequent than average verbal expression

ADHD Symptoms in Teens. In this age group, the most recognized symptoms revolve around socializing issues, such as:

  • Impulsive behaviors
  • Relationship problems
  • Avoiding tasks that require sustained attention
  • Restlessness; easily bored
  • Easily distracted
  • Difficulty completing assignments and test-taking
  • Substance use

ADHD Symptoms in Adults. In adults, the symptoms often relate to job performance and stress management, such as:

  • Missing due dates for projects or important meetings
  • Easily overwhelmed by routine tasks
  • Chronic boredom
  • Low tolerance for frustration
  • Difficulty controlling anger
  • Difficulty delaying gratification

What is ADD, or ADHD, Inattentive Type?

Using the current terminology, people with ADHD who do not exhibit the hyperactivity or impulsivity symptoms are diagnosed with ADHD, Inattentive Type. This type may manifest itself in the following ways:

  • Prone to distraction
  • Inability to complete routine obligations
  • Misplacing items frequently
  • May appear to be not listening when someone is talking to them
  • Difficulty staying focused on tasks, and/or hyper-focusing on inconsequential tasks
  • Avoiding tasks that require sustained focus

When struggling with ADHD in adulthood, a mental health professional can help you learn how to make adjustments or compensations for the condition. Cognitive behavioral therapy can be quite useful. Also, many benefit from medication, such as Adderall or antidepressants. Accessing smartphone apps or special organizing systems can also improve daily functioning for individuals with ADHD.

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