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3 Types of Attention Deficit Disorder

What Is ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)?

ADD (attention deficit disorder) is the term commonly used to describe a neurological condition with symptoms of inattention, distractibility, and poor working memory. ADD symptoms in adults include trouble focusing on school work, habitually forgetting appointments, easily losing track of time, and struggling with executive functions. Patients with these symptoms may have what clinicians now call Predominantly Inattentive Type attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADD is an outdated term and no longer a medical diagnosis, though it is often still used to refer to a certain subset of symptoms that fall under the umbrella term, ADHD.

The Difference Between ADD and ADHD

Many people use the terms ADD and ADHD interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. ADD (attention deficit disorder) is the colloquial term for one particular type of ADHD — Predominantly Inattentive Type, formerly called attention deficit disorder. To summarize:

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurological or psychological disorder.
  • Technically speaking, attention deficit disorder (ADD) is no longer a medical diagnosis, but “ADD” is often used to refer to Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD and associated symptoms
  • Since 1994, doctors have been using the term ADHD to describe both the hyperactive and inattentive subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder1.
  • Still, many parents, teachers, and adults continue to use the term “ADD.”

Symptoms of ADD (Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD)

Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (formerly ADD) does not present in the same way as the other two types of ADHD, known as Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type ADHD and Combined Type ADHD.

Hallmark symptoms of ADD include:

  1. Poor working memory
  2. Inattention
  3. Distractibility
  4. Poor executive function

Self-Test: ADD Symptoms in Children
Self-Test: ADD Symptoms in Adults

[Free Download: An In-Depth Guide to Inattentive ADHD]

What Is ADHD?

The term ADHD is commonly used to describe what doctors now diagnose as Predominantly Hyperactive Type ADHD. The ADHD symptoms associated with this diagnosis align more closely with the stereotypical understanding of attention deficit:

  • A squirmy, impulsive individual (usually a child)…
  • Bursting with energy…
  • Who struggles to wait his or her turn.

Adults with hyperactive or impulsive ADHD may be…

  • Talkative
  • Fidgety
  • Have nervous energy

Self-Test: ADHD Symptoms in Adults Adults
Self-Test: ADHD Test for Children

What are the Symptom Differences Between ADD and ADHD?

People with ADD often lack the hyperactivity component that is a prominent symptom of Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. They might be considered daydreamers or appear to be disinterested and disorganized in the classroom or the workplace. They can also be prone to forgetfulness and losing things, and struggle to follow instructions.

In comparison, those with Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD align more closely with the stereotypical understanding of attention deficit — a fidgeting, impulsive individual (usually a child), who is bursting with energy and struggles to wait their turn. Those with this type of ADHD tend to act out and demonstrate behavior problems.

How is ADHD Diagnosed?

There is no single test for Predominantly Inattentive Type ADHD (formerly ADD). In fact, since children with ADD are most often not disruptive in school, they may be mistakenly viewed as simply “shy” or a “in a world of their own.”

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will assess for any ADHD symptoms exhibited in the past six months. They will also do a physical exam and review your medical history to rule out any other medical or psychiatric conditions that could be causing symptoms.

Once a doctor has a full understanding of the presenting symptoms, they will be able to make determine which type of ADHD (if any) is the appropriate diagnosis. Find more information in our comprehensive ADHD diagnosis guide.

A Closer Look at the 3 Types of ADHD

Symptoms of Primarily Inattentive ADHD (Formerly ADD)

People who say they have ADD most likely have symptoms of inattentive type ADHD like forgetfulness and poor focus, organization, and listening skills. Inattentive ADHD often resembles a mood disorder in adults, while it’s seen as spacey, apathetic behavior in children, particularly girls.

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V (DSM-V)2, six of the following symptoms must be present to warrant a diagnosis of ADHD, Primarily Inattentive Type:

  • Often fails to give close attention to details, or makes careless mistakes
  • Often has difficulty sustaining attention
  • Often does not seem to listen when spoken to
  • Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish projects
  • Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities
  • Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort
  • Often loses things necessary for tasks/activities
  • Is often easily distracted
  • Is often forgetful in daily activities

If you think you have Primarily Inattentive Type ADHD, take one of our self-tests below and share your results with a medical professional.

Symptoms of Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD

This sub-type encompasses many of ADHD’s stereotypical traits: a child (usually a boy) bouncing off the walls, interrupting in class, and fidgeting almost constantly. In reality, only a small portion of children and adults meet the symptom criteria for this type of ADHD.

According to the DSM-V, six of the following symptoms must be present to warrant a diagnosis:

  • Fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat
  • Leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected
  • Runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which is it inappropriate; feelings of restlessness in teens and adults
  • Has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly
  • Appears “on the go” or acts as if “driven by a motor.”
  • Talks excessively
  • Blurts out answers
  • Has difficulty waiting for their turn
  • Interrupts or intrudes on others

Self-Test: Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD Symptoms in Children
Self-Test: Hyperactive and Impulsive ADHD Symptoms in Adults

Symptoms of Combined Type ADHD occurs if you have six or more symptoms each of inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.

How Does Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD Look Different from Inattentive ADHD (Formerly ADD) in Everyday Life?

1. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Careless Mistakes

A child with inattentive ADHD may rush through a quiz, missing questions he knows the answers to or skipping whole sections in his haste. An adult may fail to carefully proofread a document or email at work which leads to more problems.

2. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Difficulty Sustaining Attention

A child with inattentive ADHD may have trouble staying focused during organized activities, like sports and games, or tasks, like picking up his room. An adult may struggle to maintain attention during lengthy readings or extended conversations.

3. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Failure to Listen

Children and adults with inattentive ADHD may seem absent-minded when spoken to directly, even though there may not be an obvious distraction. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e. g., starts tasks but quickly loses focus and is easily sidetracked).

4. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Difficulty with Instructions

Many children, teens, and adults with inattentive ADHD struggle to follow through on instructions, failing to finish schoolwork, chores, or other duties in the workplace.

5. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Poor Organization

Organization can be a challenge for those with inattentive ADHD at any age — a child might struggle with keeping her locker organized; a teen may find it difficult to keep college applications straight; and ADHD adults might feel overwhelmed by work emails at the office. A lack of organization often goes hand in hand with messy work, poor time management, and a failure to meet deadlines.

6. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Avoidance of Difficult Tasks

Adolescents and adults with inattentive ADHD often have a hard time completing projects that require sustained mental effort, like lengthy homework assignments, reviewing documents, and filling out forms.

7. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Chronically Losing Things

Frequently misplacing important items, like keys, eyeglasses, cell phones, and school materials, can be a sign of inattentive ADHD in kids, adolescents, and adults.

8. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Easily Distracted

Children with inattentive ADHD may become distracted in the classroom by extraneous stimuli, while adults may simply drift off into unrelated thoughts and lose focus on the task at hand.

9. Inattentive ADHD Symptom: Forgetfulness

Whether it’s remembering to take the trash out, pay a bill, or return an email, inattentive ADHD often presents as forgetfulness, especially in teens and adults.

Do More Women Have Inattentive Type ADHD Than Have Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD?

ADHD isn’t gender-biased, but it often goes undiagnosed in girls. More women and girls have Inattentive ADHD than have Hyperactive-Impulsive ADHD. Young girls and women who struggle with inattentive ADHD symptoms are overshadowed by hyperactive boys, who demonstrate more stereotypical hyperactive ADHD behavior. Instead of detecting their symptoms as ADHD, medical professionals frequently mistake them for mood disorders. If you think you or your daughter may have ADHD symptoms, take our ADHD test for women and girls and share your results with a medical professional.

That said, Inattentive Type ADHD is not exclusive to girls. Many boys have this subtype of ADHD, though their symptoms may be similarly overlooked or misdiagnosed due to gender stereotypes.

ADDitude Seems to Write Only About ADHD. Why Is That?

ADDitudeMag.com offers a wide range of articles about ADD and ADHD, which is the official, medical term used to describe attention deficit disorder — regardless of whether a patient has symptoms of hyperactivity. Because “ADD” is considered an outdated term by medical practitioners, we use the term “inattentive ADHD” to describe the sub-type not associated with hyperactivity or impulsivity. We use the term ADHD to broadly mean both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive sub-types, and “hyperactive/inattentive ADHD” when appropriate as well.

ADD vs. ADHD: Next Steps

  • Free Download: Could My Child Have ADHD?
  • Self-Test: ADHD Symptoms in Women and Girls
  • Self-Test: ADD Symptoms Test from WebMD
  • Read: How ADD Looks a Lot Like Learning Disabilities

Footnotes

1 Lange, Klaus W et al. “The history of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.” Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders (Nov. 2010). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3000907/

2 Symptoms and Diagnosis of ADHD. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition. American Psychiatric Association (2013). https://www.(d(.gov/ncbddd/adhd/diagnosis.html

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What's the Difference Between ADD & ADHD

Written by Kelli Miller

Your child daydreams a lot at school and is easily distracted when they are doing homework or chores. Maybe they fidget constantly. You might wonder if they have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Or is it attention deficit disorder (ADD)?

Is there a difference?

Not anymore. In 1994, doctors decided all forms of attention-deficit disorder would be called "attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder," or ADHD, even if the person wasn't hyperactive. Now it's called , inattentive type, or ADHD, hyperactive/impulsive type, or ADHD, combined type.

Which term is right for your family to use depends on your child's specific symptoms and diagnosis. It's important to talk with an experienced mental health provider to make sure your child gets the right diagnosis.

Daydreamer or Fidgeter?

ADHD is a brain-based disorder. It can interfere with your child's everyday activities at home and at school. Kids who have it have trouble paying attention and controlling their behavior, and are sometimes hyperactive.

Before they are diagnosed, you will want to note your child's symptoms. The CDC offers an ADHD checklist for children that may help you keep track of them.

Here are the signs to look for:

  • Inattention: Includes disorganization, problems staying on task, constant daydreaming, and not paying attention when spoken to directly.
  • Impulsivity: Includes spur-of-the-moment decisions without thinking about the chance of harm or long-term effects. They act quickly to get an immediate reward. They may regularly interrupt teachers, friends, and family.
  • Hyperactivity: Involves squirming, fidgeting, tapping, talking, and constant movement, especially in situations where it's not appropriate.

Mental health professionals in the United States use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) to diagnose all psychiatric conditions, including ADHD. The latest version divides it into three types:

  • ADHD predominantly inattentive presentation (what used to be called ADD)
  • ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation 
  • ADHD combined presentation (both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms)

Your child's diagnosis will depend on their specific symptoms.

ADHD Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

Kids with this condition aren't hyperactive. They don't have the high energy level seen in others with ADHD. In fact, children with this form may seem shy or "in their own world."

ADD is diagnosed if a child under age 16 has 6 or more symptoms of inattention (5 or more for older teens) for at least 6 consecutive months but no signs of hyperactivity/impulsivity.

The symptoms include:

  • Trouble paying attention (easily sidetracked)
  • Doesn't like or avoids long mental tasks (such as homework)
  • Trouble staying on task during school, at home, or even at play
  • Disorganized and seems forgetful
  • Doesn't appear to listen when directly spoken to
  • Doesn't pay close attention to details
  • Loses things often
  • Makes careless mistakes
  • Struggles to follow through with instructions

Children with this subtype of ADHD may go undiagnosed because the symptoms may be chalked up to daydreaming.

ADHD Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Children with this form of ADHD have tons of energy and are constantly moving in a way that causes problems. It's diagnosed if a child under age 16 has 6 or more hyperactive/impulsive symptoms for at least 6 months (5 or more for older teens). This form is more noticeable than the inattentive type.

Symptoms include:

  • Blurting out answers before a question is finished
  • Constantly interrupting others
  • Trouble waiting for their turn
  • Talks too much
  • Fidgeting, tapping, and squirming
  • Gets up when it's not appropriate (such as when the teacher is talking or in the middle of dinner)
  • Running or climbing in inappropriate situations
  • Unable to play quietly
  • Always "on the go"

ADHD Combined Presentation

A child with this type has symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.

Creating a local user or administrator account in Windows

Windows 11 Windows 10 More. ..Less

You can create a localized user account (offline account) for all users who frequently use your computer. However, in most cases, we recommend that you create Microsoft accounts for all computer users. With a Microsoft account, you can access Microsoft apps, files, and services on all your devices. nine0003

Optionally, the local user account can have administrator permissions; however, it's best to just create a local user account if possible.

Warning: A user with an administrator account can access all data on the system, and any malware they encounter can use administrator permissions to potentially infect or corrupt any files on the system. Grant this level of access only when absolutely necessary, and only to people you trust. nine0003

When creating an account, remember that choosing a password and saving it are very important steps. Since we do not know your password, if you forget or lose it, we will not be able to recover it for you.

Creating a local user account

  1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts and then Family and other users. (On some versions of Windows, you will see Other users .)

  2. Next to Add another user , select Add account .

  3. Select item I don't have credentials for this user and on the next page click Add a user without a Microsoft account .

  4. Enter your username, password, password hint, or select security questions, and then click Next .

Open Settings and create another account

nine0009 Change local user account to administrator account

  1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts .

  2. Under Family and other users , click on the name of the account holder (it should say "Local account" under it) and select Change account type .

    Note: If you select an account that has an email address or is not labeled "Localized Account", you are giving administrator permissions to the Microsoft account, not the local account.

  3. Under Account Type , select Administrator , and click OK. nine0003

  4. Log on with a new administrator account.

If you are running Windows 10 version 1803 or later, you can add security questions as described in step 4 of section Create a local user account. You can reset the password for your local Windows 10 account with the help of security questions answers. Still not sure which version you need? Check which version you have now. nine0003

Creating a local user account

  1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts then Family and other users. (On some versions of Windows, you will see Other users .)

  2. Select Add user for this computer .

  3. Select I don't have credentials for this user and on the next page click Add a user without a Microsoft account .

  4. Enter your username, password, password hint, or select security questions, then press Next .

Open Settings and create another account

Changing the local user account to an administrator account

  1. Select Start > Settings > Accounts .

    nine0032

  2. Under Family and other users click the name of the account owner and click Change account type .

    Note: If you select an account that has an email address or is not labeled "Localized Account", you are giving administrator permissions to the Microsoft account, not the local account.

    nine0032

  3. Under Account Type , select Administrator , and click OK.

  4. Log on with a new administrator account.

Related topics

nine0002 Microsoft account help

How to reset your Microsoft account password

Get help with Windows activation errors

Add the printer to the list of printers so that it can be used on a Mac

To use the printer, you must add it to the list of printers in Printers & Scanners preferences. (If you switched from a Windows computer to a Mac, use the Printers and Scanners settings the same way you use the Windows Print Control Panel.) nine0003

In most cases, when adding a printer, macOS uses AirPrint to connect the printer or automatically downloads its software (also referred to as the printer driver). Do not install software that came with the printer or software from the manufacturer's website. Follow the instructions in one of the following sections and macOS will prompt you to download the latest software if needed.

To use the printer with an iPhone or iPad, see the Apple Support article Printing from an iPhone or iPad with AirPrint (in English). nine0003

Adding a USB printer

For most USB printers, simply update the software and then connect the printer to your Mac. macOS will automatically recognize the printer and download all the necessary software. If you use other printers, you may need to take a few steps to add the printer to the list.

  1. Update your Mac printer software. Check the printer manufacturer's website for updates for your printer model. nine0003

  2. Prepare the printer: Follow the instructions that came with the printer to unpack it, install ink or toner, and load paper. Turn on the printer and check for any error messages.

  3. Connect Printer: Connect the USB cable to your Mac. If a message appears on the screen asking you to download new software, download and install it.

    Important! nine0230 If your Mac has one USB-C port, use a multiport adapter. Plug in the printer, then plug the USB-C cable into a power source to recharge your Mac battery. Using USB-C cables with a Mac.

Adding a Wi-Fi or network printer

If your Mac and printer are already connected to the same Wi-Fi network, the printer may be immediately available for printing without any configuration. To check this, choose File > Print, choose Nearby Printers or Printers & Scanners from the Printer pop-up menu, and then select your printer. If you don't see your printer, you can add it. nine0003

  1. Update the printer software on your Mac. Check the printer manufacturer's website for updates for your printer model.

    If you have an AirPrint-enabled printer, you do not need to check for software updates.

  2. Prepare the printer: Follow the instructions that came with the printer to unpack it, install ink or toner, and load paper. Turn on the printer and check for any error messages. nine0003

  3. Connect the printer: Follow the printer instructions to connect it to the network.

    If your printer supports Wi-Fi, you may need to connect your printer to your Mac using a USB cable to set up Wi-Fi printing. After you connect your printer to your Mac, install the software that came with your printer on your Mac and use the Printer Setup Assistant to connect your printer to your Wi-Fi network. After the setup is complete, you can disconnect the cable from the printer and Mac. The printer will remain connected to the Wi‑Fi network. See the Apple Support article Connect your AirPrint printer to a Wi-Fi network. nine0003

  4. Add the printer to the list of available printers: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

  5. If you don't see your printer listed on the left, click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button on the right.

    A dialog box appears with a list of printers available on the local network.

  6. When your printer appears in the list, select it and click Add. nine0003

    Compiling the list may take a couple of minutes. If a message appears on the screen asking you to download new software, download and install it.

When you add a printer, macOS can usually determine if the printer has additional features such as additional paper trays, additional memory, or duplex printing. If the computer cannot determine this, a dialog box appears to assist in the determination. Check that these settings correctly display the optional accessories installed on the printer so that you can use them. nine0003

Adding a network printer by entering its IP address

If the network printer you want to use is not in the list of available printers, you can add it as an IP printer. The printer must support one of the following printing protocols: AirPrint, HP Jetdirect (socket), Line Printer Daemon (LPD), or Internet Printing Protocol (IPP).

Some printers connected using these common protocols may have limited functionality. nine0003

You must find the network printer's IP address or host name, print protocol, and printer model number or software name. If it uses a special queue, you also need to know the name of the queue. Contact the person who manages the printer or server for help.

  1. Update your Mac printer software. Check the printer manufacturer's website for updates for your printer model.

    If you have an AirPrint-enabled printer, you do not need to check for software updates. nine0003

  2. Prepare the printer: Follow the instructions that came with the printer to unpack it, install ink or toner, and load paper. Turn on the printer and check for any error messages.

  3. Connect the printer: Follow the printer instructions to connect it to the network. See the Apple Support article Connect your AirPrint printer to a Wi-Fi network.

  4. Add the printer to the list of available printers: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

    Open Printer and Scanner Settings

  5. Click the Add Printer, Scanner or Fax button on the right, then click the IP button and enter your printer information using the following table as a guide.

    Parameter

    Description

    Address

    Enter the printer's IP address (eg 192.168.20.11) or host name (eg printer.example.com).

    Protocol

    Select the print protocol supported by your printer.

    • AirPrint: Use AirPrint to access the printer's print and scan features via Wi-Fi, USB, and Ethernet (if the printer supports these features). You do not need to download or install printer software to use AirPrint-enabled printers. Many printers, including Aurora, Brother, Canon, Dell, Epson, Fuji, Hewlett Packard, Samsung, Xerox, and others, support the AirPrint protocol. nine0003

    • HP Jetdirect - Socket. Provides access to Hewlett Packard printers and printers from many other manufacturers.

    • Line Printer Daemon - LPD. Provides access to some older printers and print servers that use this protocol.

    • Internet Printing Protocol - IPP. Provides access to modern printers and print servers.

    Queue

    Enter the queue name used for the printer. If you don't know the queue name, try leaving it blank or contact your network administrator.

    Name

    Provides a descriptive name for the printer (for example, "color laser printer") to distinguish it from other printers in the Printer pop-up menu.

    Placement

    Contains a description of the location of the printer (for example, "near my office") so that it can be distinguished from other printers in the Printer pop-up menu.

    Usage

    Displays the software suitable for this printer. If the software is not displayed, select Select Software, then select your printer from the Printer Software list.

    If your printer is not listed as "Printer Software", try downloading and installing the printer manufacturer's software (also called printer driver ). You can also try selecting Universal PostScript or PCL Printer Software from the pop-up menu, depending on your printer type.

Adding a Bluetooth printer

If your Mac has a Bluetooth adapter installed or you have a USB Bluetooth adapter, you can send files to a Bluetooth-enabled printer wirelessly.

  1. Update your Mac printer software. nine0202 Check the printer manufacturer's website for updates for your printer model.

    If you have an AirPrint-enabled printer, you do not need to check for software updates.

  2. Prepare the printer: Follow the instructions that came with the printer to unpack it, install ink or toner, and load paper. Turn on the printer and check for any error messages.

  3. Connect printer: Follow the instructions that came with your printer to make sure it is set up to connect via Bluetooth.

  4. Add the Bluetooth printer to the list of printers: Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, then click Printers & Scanners in the sidebar. (You may need to scroll down.)

  5. Click the Add Printer, Scanner, or Fax button on the right, then click the Default button .

  6. Select your printer from the Printers list, then click Add. If the printer you want is not listed, type its name in the search box and press Return. nine0003

    If the printer does not appear in the list, make sure you have the latest Bluetooth printer driver installed on your system. Contact the printer manufacturer for the latest driver.

After connecting the printer, if a message appears on the screen prompting you to download new software, download and install it.

Adding a Wi-Fi or mobile printer using a configuration profile

Some network printers require a configuration profile to be installed before the printer can be discovered on the network using AirPrint. If you have a printer profile that needs to be installed, download or copy it to your Mac and complete the installation. nine0003

  1. On a Mac, double-click a profile to open it.

  2. When prompted to install the profile, click Continue.

  3. When a message appears asking you to confirm the installation of the profile, click Install.

    The profile is set in the profile settings in the "General" settings section.

    Learn more