Final answer:
An individual with symptoms of inattention but not hyperactivity over the past 6 months may be diagnosed with ADD, a subtype of ADHD, which affects 3-5% of children and adults, often presenting comorbidity with other disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding ADHD and its Subtype ADD
If an individual presents enough symptoms of inattention but not hyperactivity-impulsivity for the past 6 months, they might be diagnosed with a subtype of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulty maintaining attention and controlling impulses. Approximately three to five percent of children and adults are affected by ADHD, with a higher prevalence in males than females. The disorder's symptoms can include inattention, executive functioning difficulties, impulsivity, and hyperactivity beyond what is typical for a person's developmental stage. It's important to note that some patients exhibit the symptom of inattention without the hyperactive component, leading to a diagnosis of ADD. Moreover, many individuals with ADHD experience comorbidity, meaning they may develop secondary disorders such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).