Here's how I understand it. The current medically accepted term is ADHD, however, the older term of ADD is still a commonly used term, but both refer to ADHD. ADHD is broken down into types: Type 1: Predominantly inattentive type Type 2: Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type Combined Type (having both type 1 and type 2) But regardless of the type a person has, they all have ADHD.

Treatment can differ based on the type that a child has, especially with behavior modifications in school. I can't speak to how treatment with medicine may be different, but one type may work better for Type 1 ADHD kids and another may work better for Type 2 ADHD kids. But I believe, that medicine is a trial and error thing to find what works for each specific kid.

I'm not an expert, this is just from stuff I've read along the way. I hope it helps.

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Big Chicken explained it well. I just wanted to add that they use the same medications for both types. It is just that for each individual one type of medication may work better.

My husband is ADHD combined type (he has the hyperactivity) but both of our children have the ADHD inattentive type. Presently, both of my children are on the same meds and my husband on another. That is only because my children got switched to a new med and my husband was happy with what he was on. They are both similar though.

Elaine

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I want to thank you for your help.

mommybaer65

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THANK YOU

some people who REALLY know how it is.

ADHD isn't just the "accepted" term. it's the "official" term. I say "official" because in order to be diagnosed, that's what is used. Not saying it's an accurate descriptor itself, but I am a firm believer that one should use the proper, most recent name for whatever it is they're talking about.

Personally, I think they need to rename ADHD as ARD - attention regulation disorder... or EFD - executive function disorder.

But who knows? Maybe they'll actually find out the root cause sometime soon.

Just wanted to tell you it's refreshing to read accurate info. I even saw that a respected "expert" on ADHD was referring to it as ADD. sigh. Practise your profession well and call it what it's supposed to be called - by what you'd diagnose your patients as.

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I was diagnosed when it was still called ADD separately from ADHD, and I'm used to saying ADD so I don't feel the need to change it. I don't understand why the official term is ADHD, since not all people have the H part. I think it should be ADD inattentive type and ADD hyperactive type. But it's also easy to get stuck with the familiar.

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