What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD?
Attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two very similar conditions characterized by trouble focusing, even on tasks that are simple and don’t take a long time to complete. While they’re frequently detected in school-age children, you can develop these disorders at any age, and they often affect your work habits as an adult.
The main difference is that ADHD also includes hyperactivity or restlessness. If you have symptoms of ADD and also have trouble sitting in one place without getting up and moving around or fidgeting relentlessly, you likely have ADHD instead of ADD.
How do I know if I have ADD or ADHD?
Without the hyperactivity, ADD can present many symptoms that might seem normal to you at first. After all, you’ve likely lived with them for a while already. However, these symptoms aren’t typical, and you can learn to manage them with help from Dr. Glickman.
If you have ADD or ADHD, you might experience:
- Being easily distracted
- Trouble following directions or rules
- Daydreaming
- Trouble listening during a conversation
- Getting bored easily
- Procrastination
- Frequently losing things like your keys, phone, or wallet
If you have ADHD, you might have a few more symptoms in addition to these. ADHD often includes:
- Impulsiveness
- Impatience
- Talking a lot and interrupting others
- Fidgeting or playing with objects
- Trouble taking turns or waiting your turn
Anyone can have one or even several of these symptoms without having either disorder. You should book an evaluation if you notice several of these behaviors that last for longer than six months.
How can I manage my ADD or ADHD?
At Wellness Road Psychology, Dr. Glickman focuses your ADD and ADHD treatment on finding and implementing coping mechanisms and treatment strategies that help you manage your symptoms. He also helps you learn to function well at work or school in spite of them.
Your treatment plan for ADD or ADHD might include:
Medications
Medications like psychostimulants, nonstimulants, and even some antidepressants help control the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. Should you need a prescription, Dr. Glickman will refer you to the proper specialist.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy is a treatment approach that helps you learn to take control of your behavioral patterns. Through therapy sessions in his office, Dr. Glickman helps you identify automatic thoughts and behaviors and catch them before you act on them.
Extra help at school or work
Most schools and some companies offer extra help for their students or employees with disorders that impede their work, like ADD or ADHD.
If you’re having trouble keeping up with school, work, or menial tasks at home, call Wellness Road Psychology, or book your ADD and ADHD consultation online today.
