10 Common Symptoms of ADD

What Is ADD?

ADD is a subtype of ADHD and not a separate diagnosis. Linguistically, ADD is often treated as a standalone condition, but this is not entirely accurate. When diagnosing neurodevelopmental disorders, clinicians rely on an international diagnostic manual called the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). In earlier editions of the DSM, ADD was listed as its own diagnosis. However, this changed in the late 1980s when the term ADHD was adopted instead.

A few years later, with a new revision of the DSM, subtypes of ADHD were introduced. One of these is known as “ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation” — a type still commonly referred to in everyday language as ADD.

The Difference Between ADHD and ADD

ADD is thus a type of ADHD. The difference lies in which subtype an individual has. To be diagnosed with ADHD (in any form), the person must have shown consistent symptoms for at least the past six months. This timeframe helps ensure the symptoms are persistent and not caused by temporary life changes or external factors.

A diagnosis of ADHD, combined type means the person has demonstrated both core symptoms — inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity — during the previous six months. This is the most commonly recognized form and often matches the stereotypical image of ADHD.

What is commonly referred to as ADD should more accurately be called ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation. In this form, the individual meets the criteria for inattention, but not for hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Even though ADD is not an official diagnostic category, it is still widely used in everyday language. For clarity and simplicity, we will continue to refer to the different subtypes as ADHD and ADD throughout this article.

Similarities Between ADHD and ADD

The presence or absence of hyperactivity and impulsivity is a clear difference between ADHD and ADD. However, since both conditions largely describe similar challenges faced by the individual, there are also many similarities.

One of the biggest shared features is that people with both ADHD and ADD experience difficulties related to inattention. This is the primary symptom they have in common, although it can manifest in different ways. In essence, the person must exhibit a persistent pattern of inattention that significantly impairs their ability to function.

Inattention may present itself in various situations and can look different depending on age and whether the person has received any form of treatment or support. The ability to cope with these challenges also varies greatly from one individual to another.

10 Common Symptoms of ADD

A person diagnosed with ADHD, predominantly inattentive presentation (commonly referred to as ADD), may differ significantly from someone with combined-type ADHD. This is due to the absence of hyperactivity and impulsivity, which means their symptoms may not align with the common stereotypes of how ADHD “typically” presents. For an overview of ADHD symptoms, see our article 10 Common Symptoms of ADHD. Below, we outline 10 common symptoms of ADD to help improve understanding of how this form can manifest.

1. Inattentiveness to Details

People with ADD often overlook details, leading to careless mistakes in schoolwork, daily tasks, or at work. This inattentiveness may also result in missing important parts of tasks or instructions.

2. Easily Distracted

It’s common for individuals with ADD to be easily distracted. External stimuli like sounds or lights are often experienced as disturbing—even when they seem subtle or non-disruptive to others.

3. Avoidance of Mentally Demanding Tasks

Tasks that require sustained mental effort can feel overwhelming. This might include doing homework, completing assignments, or reading long texts or books.

4. Difficulty Focusing on Uninteresting Tasks

Individuals with ADD may struggle to concentrate on tasks they find boring. This can manifest as a lack of motivation or difficulty staying engaged with routine or unexciting activities.

5. Trouble Organizing Tasks or Activities

People with ADD often find it difficult to carry out tasks that require multiple sequential steps. They may feel unsure of where to begin or lose important items necessary to complete the task.

6. Difficulty Maintaining Attention

Sustained attention is essential for many daily activities—particularly in school or work settings. Individuals with ADD may also struggle in social situations, such as during long conversations or group play, which can lead to misunderstandings or feelings of exclusion.

7. Difficulty Following Instructions

Following instructions—whether written or verbal—can be a challenge. This might lead to repeatedly asking for clarification or failing to complete schoolwork or chores as expected.

8. Frequently Losing Things

Losing everyday items is common among people with ADD. This can include schoolbooks, pens, important papers, phones, keys, or wallets.

9. Rarely Responding to Name

It’s common for individuals with ADD to appear unresponsive when spoken to, even when their name is repeated multiple times. This may come across as being mentally “elsewhere” or withdrawn.

10. Forgetfulness

Forgetfulness in daily life is a typical symptom of ADD. It might involve forgetting errands, bills, phone calls, or planned meetups with friends or family.