ADD and ADHD do not have the same symptoms, but what exactly is the difference between ADD and ADHD? ADD is a group of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Sometimes the two terms are used synonymously, but there is a difference between ADD and ADHD! ADHD in childhood is not uncommon, with a worldwide prevalence of between 3-6% of children with ADHD, while the number of children with ADD among those with ADHD is roughly 30%.
Difference between ADD and ADHD
It makes a difference whether you have ADD or ADHD! While ADHD is characterised by distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsivity, ADD is mainly characterised by distractibility, in which case impulsivity and hyperactivity are not present. Another name for ADD is inattentive ADHD.
Moreover, ADHD is not a single disorder that can be described in the same way for everyone, it is a multifaceted symptom complex and can manifest itself not only in different symptoms but also in a mixture of symptoms, their severity and functional deficits.
Other symptoms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) may include distractibility, poor organisation, planning and coordination.
In children with ADHD or adults with ADHD, the frontal and parietal brain regions function abnormally.
These regions of the brain are responsible for processing sensory information, for our ability to concentrate properly and for our ability to organise.
This is why people diagnosed with ADHD often find it difficult to stay engaged in an activity, give up easily, become distracted, fidgety or less responsive to instructions.
Essentially, brain waves in these regions of the brain are not vibrating at the right frequency. These can usually be seen with an EEG scan at or before the time of ADHD diagnosis.
3 types of ADHD
There are three types of ADHD:
- ADHD when the 3 symptoms are present together (attention deficit, hyperactivity, impulsivity), i.e. combined ADHD
- ADD, i.e. when attention deficit is present but neither impulsivity nor hyperactivity is present, also known as inattentive ADHD
- ADHD with a predominance of hyperactivity and impulsivity
Biofeedback for ADHD
It is now common that when someone is diagnosed with ADHD, professionals and developmental educators recommend biofeedback therapy for ADHD.
The essence of biofeedback therapy, in short, is that every cell and organ in the human body emits electrical vibrations. Of course, this is invisible to the naked eye, but biofeedback devices can measure these vibrations and even „teach” the brainwaves to follow a normal pattern.
Biofeedback for ADHD can be an effective complement to various developmental sessions, concentration exercises, and it is a non-invasive therapeutic method with no side effects.
During the biofeedback treatment, the biofeedback therapist attaches sensors to the ADHD patient and starts the computer program. The system maps the brainwave frequencies and uses the power of gamification, also known as gamification, to correct them using special support software to help balance the brainwaves.
Using a modern, innovative biofeedback device like the QUEX S® , ADHD can reduce symptoms by training a child or adult’s brain with playful tasks that require concentration. Typically, 15-20 biofeedback sessions are recommended by professionals to achieve a visible, measurable effect of treatment, and the patient’s ability to pay more attention, concentrate more intensely, organize more effectively, be less impulsive, and reduce ongoing agitation.
ADHD symptoms in adults
The symptoms of ADHD in adults most often manifest themselves in difficulty with:
- organizing and starting tasks
- processing information effectively
- regulating emotions
- focusing attention, dividing attention
- controlling sleep and wakefulness
- use of working memory and recall skills
- managing frustration and anxiety
- detailed observation of a process
- controlling own actions
Adult ADHD also has a neurobiological background, but secondary symptoms and environmental influences associated with ADHD may be increasing or becoming more severe.
Therefore, it is very important to treat ADHD and one possible option is biofeedback therapy for ADHD.
Unfortunately, unregulated emotions can lead to the development of other disorders, so it is important to manage ADHD, to control it, to reduce symptoms as much as possible.