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Do you have trouble focusing, often make careless mistakes and forget things? Or have you noticed similar problems in someone close to you? Then it could be ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder as it is also known.
What is ADD?
ADD is a neuropsychological disability that affects concentration, organization and planning. ADD stands for “Attention Deficit Disorder” but is now called ADHD with Attention Deficit Disorder in health care, as the name was changed a few years ago, and it is one of three different forms of ADHD.
It is not entirely clear what the diagnosis is due to, but there are certain factors that have been seen to affect it, such as heredity, it is common to have a parent with similar problems, but it does not have to be so.
It has also been seen that people with ADHD often have a lower working memory, which can make it more difficult to organize things, you can miss details and forget things. There may also be biological causes such as effects on dopamine and norepinephrine, and medication can sometimes help.
It is important to remember that this diagnosis is not a mental illness, but rather a different way your brain can function. It is also possible to get help and support to function better.
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Common symptoms of ADD
- Difficulty focusing for long periods of time
- Easily distracted
- Missing details
- Problematic perception of time (time optimism and other things that make it difficult to plan)
- Forgetting and losing things
It is good to know that ADHD is a disability and diagnosis that comes in different degrees of severity with mild, moderate and severe problems. Often it is those with severe problems that are most visible in school as they grow up, and many people with moderate or mild problems can be missed as the symptoms are less obvious, but they can still affect life in different ways.
ADD and concentration
ADD can have a major impact on your ability to concentrate, which in turn can lead to stress and other conditions such as depression and anxiety. However, it is also important to note that people with the diagnosis can often be extremely focused and creative when engaged in something that interests them. Therefore, it is important to identify and work on their strengths but also to manage stress and take breaks when necessary.
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Relationships and ADD
ADD can also affect personal relationships. It is easy to misinterpret invisible symptoms such as distraction and memory difficulties as disinterest or lack of commitment to a relationship. Understanding how the diagnosis affects an individual can make a big difference to how we deal with relationships. Gaining more knowledge about oneself can also increase self-esteem and confidence.
ADD and mental illness
It is not uncommon for people with ADD to also experience periods of depression, anxiety and other issues such as poor self-image. These feelings can be exacerbated by the difficulties that ADD creates, such as problems completing tasks or underperforming at work or school. This can be helped with cognitive behavioral therapy, which is specifically designed for different forms of ADHD.
ADD in children and adults
For children, some symptoms may be obvious while others may go unnoticed. You may notice that your child has difficulty organizing things and keeping things in order. They may forget things and need many reminders. There may also be problems in relationships and it is not uncommon to be subjected to bullying and many experience problems with self-confidence and self-image as the difficulties can often also show up in school work.
For many people, ADD can become more apparent as they get older, when demands and responsibilities increase. Many, especially those with milder symptoms, may have done quite well in life and lived with undetected or undiagnosed symptoms for a long time. If you had supportive parents, they may have compensated for the symptoms, which may become apparent when you leave home. Or they may have found strategies and solutions to their problems that have worked to some extent. Despite this, it may have been a great effort to cope with school and in adulthood they may often have stress-related problems at work.
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Is it no longer called ADD?
A few years ago, it was decided to remove ADD from the DSM (the US diagnostic manual) and call it ADHD with attention deficit disorder instead. A bit confusing, we know. You can still say ADD in everyday language and it is mainly in the health sector that other definitions are used. If you have questions about it, feel free to ask us.
Next steps for an ADD assessment
If you, or someone you know, are experiencing symptoms that seem to be consistent with ADD, it is important to contact a therapist or psychologist to get a diagnosis and help with a possible treatment plan. You can read more about the national guidelines for ADHD and ADD here.
Having ADHD with mainly inattention is not something to be ashamed of. It is a part of you that requires understanding and acceptance, both from yourself and from those around you. Through knowledge and support, we can make the difficult easier.
Do you have questions or concerns? Do not hesitate to contact us or book an appointment with one of our licensed psychologists and doctors.
12 common questions and answers about ADD
What is ADD?
ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder and is a form of ADHD with mainly inattention problems. It is a neuropsychiatric diagnosis characterized by problems with attention and concentration but without hyperactivity and impulsivity.
How is ADD diagnosed?
Diagnosis is usually made by a licensed psychologist and doctor who together conduct a comprehensive assessment. This may include interviews, tests and questionnaires.
What are the symptoms of ADD?
Common symptoms include difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness and difficulty organizing daily tasks. Many people also experience difficulties with self-confidence and self-image.
Is there any treatment for ADD?
Yes, treatment options can include medication, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) and lifestyle adjustments. The aim is to improve concentration and reduce symptoms. You also have certain rights to support studies.
Is ADD hereditary?
Research shows that ADD has a genetic component. If a parent or sibling has the condition, there is a chance that other family members have it too.
Can adults have ADD?
Yes, although the diagnosis is usually made in childhood, many adults can live with undiagnosed ADD. However, symptoms can vary over a lifetime and become more pronounced with increasing demands.
Does ADD affect school work?
Yes, because ADD affects concentration and attention, it can be a challenge in the school environment. However, special educational support can make a big difference and as an adult you are also entitled to extra support and more time for exams, for example.
What role does diet play in ADD?
While there is no scientific evidence that diet can cure ADD, some people report improvements with dietary changes. However, it is important to consult a doctor before making major changes to your diet.
What can I do if I think I or my child has ADD?
If you suspect ADD, contact us for a consultation. From here you may be referred to a licensed professional for further assessment, investigation and treatment.
What can I do if I have symptoms of ADHD that affect my work?
If you feel that you are having difficulty managing your work, you can get help with an assessment and interventions to manage organization and planning. It is also good to think about recovery and stress management.
How can I manage my anxiety and depression?
If you have symptoms of ADHD but also anxiety and depression, you can get treatment for this too. It usually has a good effect.
I have experienced trauma, can I have ADHD?
It is possible to have ADHD and also have problems with trauma, it is important that you get a thorough assessment that gives you guidance on treatment options and possible further investigation.
How does an ADD assessment work?
Suspecting that you have a neuropsychiatric diagnosis can be an emotional experience, but it is also an important step towards getting the help you may need. Dealing with this can seem overwhelming, but with a simple and easy-to-understand guide, we want to make the hard part easier.
Step 1: Recognize the symptoms
Take note of the symptoms you are experiencing. These can include difficulty focusing, forgetting things and feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks.
Step 2: Consult a licensed healthcare provider
The first and most important step is to seek professional help. A diagnosis of ADD can only be made by a licensed professional, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist.
Step 3: Diagnostic tests
After an initial assessment interview, there is an investigation phase. This includes interviews, questionnaires and possibly also cognitive tests.
Step 4: Diagnosis
If you receive a diagnosis of ADHD with primary inattention, the next step is to discuss treatment options. These can vary from person to person, but usually include a mix of medication and therapy.
Step 5: Medication
For many people, medication is an effective treatment method. As everyone is unique, finding the right dose and type of medication can take time.
Step 6: CBT adapted for ADHD
Cognitive behavioral therapy adapted for ADHD can help you develop skills to manage your symptoms. This includes strategies to improve focus, organize tasks and manage stress.
Step 7: Follow-up and adaptation
Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to see how the treatment is working and if any adjustments need to be made.
Step 8: Support from loved ones
Having a support network is important. Talk to family and friends and explain your situation to get the support you need.
Step 9: Continuous evaluation
Life with a neuropsychiatric diagnosis is a learning process. New challenges may arise, and your treatment plan may need to be adjusted as a result.
As starting treatment can often seem daunting or challenging, the best step in the right direction can be just having a conversation with a psychologist or therapist. That’s why we offer introductory sessions with our therapists where you can be seen over video for 20 or 45 minutes. So you can book a call just to get counseling, all to make the hard part easier.
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