ADD – Hidden Obstacles: Navigating the Detours

By Karin Windt Notable in the growing literature base on attentional difficulties, distractibility and impulsivity currently described and studied as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is that studies focusing on the non-hyperactive subtype of the disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) are relatively lacking. While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Text – Revised, 4th edition includes the diagnostic category ADHD, Predominately Inattentive Type, much study is still needed of this disorder in terms of phenomenology, treatment and outcomes in individuals of all ages. In addition, nomenclature of this and other ADHD subtypes is likely to change in the next edition of this diagnostic manual, anticipated in 2012.