What Is the Difference Between ADD & ADHD?
Author: Dr. Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
Published: December 22, 2025
Why “ADD vs ADHD” Is Still So Confusing
At some point, nearly all of us have seen what it looks like to struggle with focus—whether in ourselves or someone we care about. In a world that demands constant attention, these challenges feel more common than ever. You’ve probably heard someone brush it off by saying, “That’s just my ADD.” You may have even used the phrase yourself. ADD and ADHD are often spoken about as if they’re interchangeable, which naturally leads many people to wonder: Are they actually the same thing?
It’s a fair question, and one that deserves a clear, honest answer.
The short answer is that ADD is no longer a separate diagnosis. But the struggles people associate with ADD are very real, and they still matter. Understanding how these terms changed—and what actually matters today—can help you make sense of symptoms and find the right kind of support.
In this article, I’ll explain the difference between ADD and ADHD in a clear, practical way. My goal is to help you understand what’s going on and what can help—whether you’re thinking about your child, your teen, or yourself.
If you’re already looking for support, you can learn more about our ADHD therapy services for children, teens, and adults in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota.
The Simple Answer
Simply put, ADD is an old term for what's now part of ADHD. The DSM-5 (our current guide for diagnoses) groups ADHD into three types: mostly inattentive (what many call ADD), mostly hyperactive-impulsive, and a mix of both. The name change happened because experts saw that focus problems can exist without a lot of energy or movement, but it's all one condition.
People still say "ADD" as a quick way to talk about focus issues like forgetting things or being messy. The main point? The difference between ADD vs ADHD isn't as big today as getting the right check-up and help. About 11.4% of kids in the U.S. ages 3-17 have ADHD, showing how usual these issues are. If the signs sound familiar, talking to an expert can really help.
What Was ADD? (And Why People Still Use the Term)
ADD was once used to describe people who struggled mainly with attention rather than hyperactivity. These individuals might have had trouble focusing, staying organized, remembering things, or finishing tasks. They often seemed quiet or “in their own world.”
Because these symptoms weren’t disruptive, many people with ADD were overlooked, especially girls. Some were never diagnosed at all. Others were diagnosed but didn’t receive much help.
People still use the term ADD for a few reasons:
They were diagnosed with ADD years ago
It feels more accurate for people who aren’t hyperactive
Many women were labeled ADD instead of ADHD
Today, ADD is considered inattentive-type ADHD. The updated name reflects the fact that attention, impulse control, and organization are all connected.
What Is ADHD Today?
ADHD is now understood as a brain-based condition that affects how a person focuses, manages emotions, controls impulses, and stays organized. It has nothing to do with intelligence or effort.
ADHD can affect:
Focus and attention
Impulse control
Emotional regulation
Planning, organization, and follow-through
There are three main types:
Inattentive Type
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
Combined Type
In everyday life, ADHD might look like a child struggling in school, a teen feeling overwhelmed and shutting down, or an adult constantly feeling behind no matter how hard they try.
At It Begins Within Healing Center, we support individuals and families through ADHD therapy in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, both in person and through telehealth across Florida.
ADD vs ADHD: What’s the Difference, Really?
When people ask about ADD versus ADHD, they’re usually asking about how it feels, not just what it’s called.
Here’s the breakdown:
Names:
ADD is outdated. ADHD is the current diagnosis.Symptoms:
ADD usually referred to inattentive symptoms. ADHD can include hyperactivity or impulsivity, but not always.Diagnosis:
Both are diagnosed as ADHD today.Treatment:
The same proven treatments are used for both.
In my work, I often see people who think they have ADD when they’re really dealing with inattentive-type ADHD that was never properly supported.
ADD vs ADHD Symptoms at Different Ages
Children
Some children with ADHD are quiet and easily overlooked. They may daydream, forget instructions, or struggle in school without causing trouble. Others may be more active, impulsive, or disruptive.
Both patterns can affect learning and confidence.
Teens
Teenagers with ADHD often struggle with organization, emotional ups and downs, and feeling overwhelmed. School stress, burnout, and anxiety are common.
Adults
Adults may deal with missed deadlines, relationship stress, constant overwhelm, and frustration. Many blame themselves instead of realizing ADHD is part of the picture. ADHD therapy can help children, teens, and adults build skills for focus, confidence, and emotional balance.
For many parents seeking therapy in Sarasota, St. Petersburg, or Tampa, the first phone call often comes after a teacher has shared a concern. We want you to know that this is very common—and that a teacher’s observation is not a diagnosis. It’s simply a starting point for understanding how to best support your child.
ADD vs ADHD in Adults
Many adults identify with ADD because their hyperactivity became more internal over time. Instead of being physically restless, they may feel mentally restless or exhausted.
ADHD in adults is often mistaken for anxiety or depression. While those conditions can exist too, untreated ADHD is often a big part of ongoing stress and burnout.
The most effective treatment focuses on learning skills and creating support—not just changing labels.
ADD vs ADHD in Women
ADHD has often been missed in women. Many girls learn to hide their struggles by being perfectionistic or overachieving. Inside, they may feel overwhelmed, sensitive, or self-critical.
Hormonal changes can also affect symptoms, making ADHD harder to manage at certain points in life.
It’s common for women to seek therapy for anxiety before ADHD is ever recognized. For many, finally understanding ADHD brings relief and clarity.
Support is available
Our team at It Begins Within Therapy offers counseling in St. Petersburg, Tampa, and Sarasota. If you’re struggling with attention, focus, or relationship challenges resulting from your partners battles with these, we invitee you to Schedule a Free Therapy Consultation.
ADHD Medication: What You Should Know
There’s no difference in medication based on whether someone uses the term ADD or ADHD. Medication choices depend on symptoms and individual needs.
Medications generally fall into stimulant and non-stimulant categories. While medication can be helpful, it doesn’t teach life skills.
That’s where therapy comes in—helping with organization, emotional regulation, coping strategies, and daily routines. Treatment often works best when care providers collaborate.
How ADHD Therapy Helps
ADHD therapy focuses on helping people function better and feel better about themselves.
Therapy can help with:
Organization and time management
Emotional regulation
Parent coaching and family support
Adult stress and burnout
At It Begins Within, we work with children, teens, and adults using proven approaches that fit real life. We offer in-person and virtual ADHD therapy throughout Florida.
Learn more about our ADHD therapy services in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota here:
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I know if I have ADHD or if I’m just stressed or burned out?
Many adults with ADHD feel chronically overwhelmed, distracted, or behind—especially at work. While stress and burnout can cause similar symptoms, ADHD usually shows up as long-standing difficulties with focus, organization, time management, and follow-through, often going back to childhood. A professional evaluation helps sort out what’s actually driving your symptoms.
Do I need medication if I’m diagnosed with ADHD?
Not necessarily. Medication can be helpful for some people, but it’s not required. Many adults benefit from therapy that focuses on organization, emotional regulation, and coping strategies—either on its own or alongside medication. Treatment decisions are always individualized.
What’s the difference between normal childhood behavior and ADHD?
All children have trouble focusing or sitting still at times. ADHD is considered when these challenges are more intense, last longer, and interfere with learning, relationships, or daily functioning across settings like home and school.
At what age can a child be evaluated for ADHD?
Children can be evaluated once attention and behavior expectations are developmentally appropriate, often during early elementary years. Evaluations are always age-appropriate and focus on understanding the child—not labeling them too early.
My partner doesn’t think they have ADHD. Should I push them to get tested?
It’s usually more helpful to focus on shared challenges rather than a diagnosis. Talking about specific struggles and how support could help both of you can open the door to evaluation without pressure or blame.
