ADHD has been named differently over time. In the early 1970s, it was known as hyperkinesis (from the Latin word for "superactive"). In the 1980s, it was called Attention Deficit Disorder, or ADD. The term ADD (without the symptom of hyperactivity in the title) was used because hyperactivity is often, but not always, found with the disorder. Children who have the disorder without hyperactivity still struggle with impulsivity and inattention, but have more normal activity levels. However, since most people with ADHD have the symptom of hyperactivity, in 1987 the official name changed to and remains ADHD. There are varying types of ADHD.
Children with ADD/ADHD can have difficulties at home, at school, and in relationships with friends and other children their age. ADD/ADHD has also been shown to have long-term adverse effects on school performance, career or job success, and social-emotional development. Because children with ADD/ADHD are not able to sit still and pay attention in school, they may have disciplinary problems, and they can be viewed as troublemakers by teachers and other students. They experience peer rejection and show a broad range of disruptive behaviors. Their academic and social problems can have far-reaching and long-term effects. These children have higher injury rates. As they grow older, children with untreated ADD/ADHD, in combination with conduct disorders, are at risk for drug abuse, antisocial behavior, and injuries of all sorts. Up to 70% of children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD will continue to have symptoms into adulthood.
[The ADD information above is based on source material from the National Institute on Mental Health entitled "Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - Questions and Answers," published in March 2000.]