A common misconception, when it comes to Attention Deficit Disorder, is that it is one in the same with hyperactivity. However, this is far from the truth. While people with ADD may exhibit signs of hyperactivity, it is not an inherent trait of the disorder and often does not occur with sufferers of ADD.

Excessive and/or pathological activeness, as a general term, is usually associated with or as hyperctivity. This misnomer is often used erroneously for an active person that does not meet the excessive criteria. It is vital to realize that most if not all children are somewhat active to a certain extent, and there are those extremely active behavior. However, this does not necessarily constitute hyperactivite state. A hyperactive person will often seem to be constantly driven to keep moving some part or their whole body, making it almost impossible to sit still. When sitting, they will often fidget, become restless or talk excessively as a countermeasure. Hyperactivity, although difficult to assess in adults, much easier to diagnose in children.

On the other hand, Attention Deficit Disorder is exhibited by inattentiveness, impulsiveness, and distractibility, but not necessarily hyperactivity. A child that suffers from ADD may have difficulty completing assignments, paying attention, and/or waiting their turn. In order for any of these behaviors to constitute a disorder, they must be extreme, create difficulty in completing daily activities, and not be appropriate behavior for the age group of the child. They must also occur for an extended period of time, at least six months and be identifiable prior to the age of seven and continue thereafter.

However, some children with ADD also have hyperactivity, demonstrated as excessive fidgeting, running, and jumping at inappropriate times. They often seem to have an inability to be still. If a child exhibits hyperactivity in addition to Attention Deficit Disorder, they are often termed “ADHD”: Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. While many people assume the term ADD is an antiquated version of ADHD, they actually refer to two different types of disorders.

In total, there are clinically three variations of ADD or ADHD. These are (1) inattentive type, (2) hyperactive-impulsive type, and (3) combination. The inattentive type exhibits a difficulty in paying attention and completing activities, but is not deemed hyperactive. These children often are more difficult to diagnose. On the other hand, the hyperactive-impulsive type children are extremely active and have a difficulty controlling their behavior. The third variation is a combination of the two previous types and displays inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness.

Do you Suspect that You or Your Child Has ADHD/ADD? There’s a highly accurate and unique on line ADHD/ADD test developed by a leading university PhD. and a Doctor of Psychology, suitable for both adults and children. It uses a performance based screening process (not a checklist!) and can be completed in 20 minutes.

If you are unsure, settle your concerns and take the test. You owe it yourself and your loved ones.

Bruce Lipsky, MShas more than three decades of vast knowledge and related in the corporate and commercial sectors of the fitness, health and wellness industry. He has created and overseen fitness and wellness programming for fortune 500 companies and commercial fitness centers across the USA. Be sure to use Bruce’s recommendation and take the test to assess ADD/ADHD.