Is it “ADD” or “ADHD”?

You will hear people say that they have “ADHD” or “ADD without the ‘H'”. “ADD” is thought of as having inattention and distraction without hyperactivity. The term “ADHD” is sometimes used to describe inattention and distraction with hyperactivity.

According to the DSM (a diagnostic manual), the term is “ADHD”, and there are three types. First, there is the “inattentive type” of ADHD. Then there is the “hyperactive/impulsive type” of ADHD. Finally, there is the “combined type” of ADHD, where one meets the criteria for both the inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive types.

The general population uses the term “ADD”, and that is perfectly okay.