Why Don't We Say 'ADD' Anymore? - HuffPost

Invoking ADD, or attention-deficit disorder, felt rather common in the ’90s and early aughts.

The term was also used interchangeably with ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

“The term attention-deficit disorder or ‘ADD’ first appeared in the third edition of the DSM in 1980,” said J.

Basically, ADHD was called ADD until 1987 when the name was officially changed from attention-deficit disorder to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

“For example, although someone might continue to meet criteria for ADHD, the subtype of ADHD they demonstrate might change in adulthood.

This means that a child might have ADHD, combined type, but by adulthood meets criteria for only inattentive type.”.

“ADD is essentially synonymous with ADHD, inattentive type,” said Los Angeles-based therapist Rachael Bloom.

“The two terms are used interchangeably, still, though I have noticed that more people, particularly clinicians, are using the more current term of ADHD.”

Although there is still a sense of stigma around the disorder, use of the term ADHD seems to mark a positive step away from previously common phrases like “you’re so ADD!” which were often used in a derogatory manner