Thanks for your question. A lot of people wonder about ADHD and ADD. Briefly, ADHD is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Some people can find it hard to focus or concentrate and have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Others feel restless (feel like they have to be moving constantly) or can be impulsive (doing things without thinking them through); they have ADHD hyperactive/impulsive type. Lastly there are people who have both attention and hyperactive/impulsive symptoms and they have ADHD combined type.

Sometimes it’s tough to tell whether you have ADHD or ADD. Your health care provider (HCP) or therapist may have you, your parents, and your teachers fill out forms to help them figure out your diagnosis. Your HCP or therapist may also refer you for more testing, called neuropsychological testing.

Here’s a tip on how to bring it up with your therapist: “What’s the difference between ADD and ADHD? Which one do I have?”