What Is Hyperactivity? Determining Whether You Have ADD Or ADHD Symptoms

Medically reviewed by April Justice
Updated March 25, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team

You may have heard the terms ADD and ADHD used interchangeably. While the terms are related, the official medical term for the disorder causing hyperactivity is ADHD. The disorder was originally called attention deficit disorder until the “H” was added. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is commonly diagnosed in childhood but can carry into the adult years as well. People living with ADHD can experience restlessness, trouble paying attention, difficulty following instructions, and a variety of other symptoms that may impact their well-being, relationships, and academic/professional life. Understanding hyperactivity can help you understand the disorder itself, the difference between these two terms, and how to manage the symptoms that come along with ADHD. 

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Learn how to manage hyperactivity in online therapy

ADD and ADHD have many similarities in symptoms and fall under the same diagnosis. If hyperactivity is not present, then the diagnosis can be categorized as a predominately inattentive type of ADHD. If hyperactivity is present, then the diagnosis is predominantly the hyperactive type of ADHD. 

Although ADD and ADHD are not considered learning disabilities, decades of research indicate that about 27% to 31% of students diagnosed with the disorder also have a learning disability. The two together can be more of a challenge to cope with than experiencing one or the other on its own, but appropriate treatment can help to manage them.

ADHD-hyperactive vs ADHD-inattentive

What are the differences in hyperactive ADHD vs inattentive ADHD? In the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), ADHD is separated into inattentive type ADHD and hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD. Individuals diagnosed with ADHD may also experience combined type, which is characterized by both inattentive and hyperactive ADHD symptoms. 

For people who experience hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD, hyperactivity may make them feel uncomfortable remaining still. Hyperactivity can be easier to spot in a young child, who may have tendencies to run, jump, squirm, or even get up in school (such symptoms are often first identified in a classroom setting). Additionally, individuals with ADHD are thought to display symptoms of hyperactivity less frequently and severely as they age. Because of the challenges associated with these symptoms, children with ADHD may be provided with accommodations in some circumstances, including extended time on assignments, alterations to the classroom environment, and personalized instructions. 

Hyperactive and impulsive behaviors could include tapping fingers, wiggling feet, fidgets, and even talking excessively. According to the APA, difficulty with hyperactivity and impulse control can cause a young child to interrupt frequently, run or climb at inappropriate times, and experience “difficulty waiting his or her turn”. 

Individuals with inattentive type ADHD have trouble paying attention, listening, organizing, and completing tasks. They may experience forgetfulness, difficulty with time management, trouble following instructions, and several other symptoms that impact their social, academic, or professional lives. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states that—as with hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD—symptoms must be present for six months for inattentive type ADHD to be diagnosed. 

The signs of ADHD in adults can be different from children because an adult may have learned to keep some of their behaviors in check. This means they probably aren’t going to get up in the middle of a board meeting and run around the room— yet they may still feel like doing that. Hyperactivity in adults may present as a general restlessness or impulsivity, meaning a person may act on ideas or things without thinking them through all the way. ADHD can also make it hard for adults to respond appropriately to certain emotions.  

If you believe you’re living with ADHD, a healthcare professional can provide you with psychological testing and medical evaluations (to find out whether any medical conditions are present). After these tests, they can determine whether further assessments, a diagnosis, and treatment are necessary.  

Treatment options

There are different treatment options available that can help manage the symptoms of ADHD. If you’d like more information about ADHD, consider visiting the National Resource Center on ADHD’s website or reading articles and studies from the National Library of Medicine. Some of the most common forms of treatment include:

Prescription medication

Prescription medication is a popular form of treatment for ADHD. Many children that are diagnosed with the disorder may end up on medication to stay focused in the classroom and pay attention to their studies. Parents often speak with a primary care provider or consult a psychiatrist to discuss potential prescription medication treatment options for their children. Likewise, adults can get prescription drugs to manage their symptoms at any age. 

While medication can be beneficial for those with ADHD, being diagnosed with a disorder does not automatically mean that a person needs to take prescription medication. Many people can cope with their symptoms by making lifestyle changes and picking up healthy coping mechanisms. Some people experience more serious cases of ADHD than others, making their need for medication more urgent. If you’re unsure about taking prescription medication yourself or getting it for your child, speak with a medical professional to ease your concerns.

Therapy sessions

Some people with ADHD may struggle with their interpersonal relationships because of the symptoms and behaviors that come along with the disorder. Therapists can help clients connect with their partners, friends, or family by using skills that maintain healthy relationships. Additionally, they can equip their clients with healthy coping mechanisms and tools to deal with disruptive behaviors, such as restlessness and hyperactivity. ADHD can be disruptive to an individual’s everyday life, but therapy can allow them to manage their symptoms more effectively. 

These are just a few of the ways that a therapist can support you in your treatment. When choosing a therapist, check to see if they have experience with treating ADHD in the past. The more they’ve been exposed to clients with ADHD, the more success you might find in pursuing therapy with them. 

Support groups

You may also find it beneficial to join a support group for people living with ADHD. It can be helpful to hear advice from a different perspective, including what’s worked for them and what has made it harder to manage their symptoms. It can make a difference to be supported by others who understand what you’re going through from personal, firsthand experience.

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How to put hyperactivity to work for you

There can be a lot of information out there about the drawbacks of living with ADHD. While the treatment options listed above can help you overcome many of those challenges, the disorder can also give you some unique advantages and benefits. When you learn how to harness the traits that come with ADHD, you can allow them to work in your favor. This can include the following:

High energy levels

As the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders states, hyperactivity can make individuals feel like they’re being “driven by a motor”. The high energy level that your hyperactivity brings can be viewed as an asset if you learn how to manage it. When others are getting burnt out or experiencing low energy at work, you may use your energy to get organized or check off the to-do lists that you’ve set. When others are ready to sit on the couch and binge Netflix shows after a stressful day, you may still have the energy to take on a project or get something productive done. If you find that you’re starting to lose focus because of your restlessness, take a moment to engage in an activity that will release some of your energy so you can refocus. 

Creativeness and innovation

Many people find that adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder tend to be more creative than those without the disorder. If you find that you’re continually coming up with new ideas or ways to do things, you may have your ADHD to thank for it. You might consider looking for careers and activities that allow you to put your creativity to use. 

Hyperfocus

While it’s true that inattention can be challenging for some—causing them to be easily distracted—others with adult ADHD may enjoy having the ability to hyper-focus on specific areas and tasks. This can benefit you in multiple areas, including your personal and work life, and may help you accomplish the goals that you’re working toward with more success.

Living a healthy lifestyle

The extra energy that you may gain from ADHD can be harnessed to support positive physical and mental health. For instance, while many people struggle to get motivated for a workout during the day, you may not have as much of a struggle in this area. Moreover, the time you spend exercising can help to expel some of your energy, which may allow you to stay more focused throughout the day. 

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Learn how to manage hyperactivity in online therapy
Managing attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with online therapy

Working with a therapist can help as you learn to manage the symptoms of ADHD. They may support you in managing your time better, making wiser behavioral choices, and dealing with the anxiety that you might experience because of your ADHD. You can connect with a therapist who specializes in ADHD through BetterHelp, an online counseling platform. Many people turn to internet-based therapy because of its convenience and usability. Since there is no requirement to commute to an in-person appointment, it’s often more convenient, even for the busiest individual. 

The efficacy of online therapy for mental disorders

Online therapy can be a viable option for treating a variety of neurodevelopmental and mental health disorders. In a 2022 study, online therapy was shown to be “more effective than a waiting list in improving attention deficit and social function of adults and children with ADHD.” Researchers found that nonpharmaceutical approaches, such as online therapy, tended to produce more effective long-term results, and had fewer side effects for those participating. 

Takeaway

You can overcome the symptoms commonly associated with ADHD by developing helpful coping strategies, seeking support, and getting treatment. You can also learn how to put ADHD to work for you, using it to your advantage in many cases. Getting connected with an online mental health professional can help you explore your symptoms and begin to learn how to live productively with them. You don’t have to navigate ADHD on your own.

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