ADD/ADHD are different types and are a neurological problem - this is not a personality disorder. Secondly, the symptoms related to ADD/ADHD may be similar to those caused by a number of other physical or psychological issues -- mercury, sugar levels, stress, depression, etc. etc...Most people suffer from some ADD like symptoms but for someone who actually suffers from ADD, the symptoms are ALWAYS there and have been there since early childhood and are often debilitating.
ADD/ADHD is genetically transferrable. The two types are quite different in symptoms and manifest differently across genders. More men (75% of thos who have ADD/ADHD) tend to have ADHD which is attention disorder with hyperactivity. This is reversed for women who have add - inattentive type which manifests in dreaminess, slow moving, inactive (almost like paralyzed by the variety of impulses) which is very different from the hyperactive kind. Even in this latter type, as children, they probably showed signs of hyperactivity which declines while attention problems remain.
ADD is debilitating for those who suffer from it and there are lots of myths that abound about the disease and medication used to treat it. This is really sad because most people who suffer from it (Adults and children) could benefit greatly from medication prescribed in treating the neurological part. Having said that, as with any other type of medication, it's important to find what works for you. In the case of ADD medication, they tend to work for over 60% of those who try it. That's pretty significant.
More Myths:
ADD medication affects creativity. Not true. It affects a person's ability to carry through with ideas - that's HUGE bonus as compared to having great ideas but not being able to act on them.
ADD folks suffer from attention problems constantly. No. They have a hyperfocus mode and an inattentive mode. When motivated, they go into hyperfocus mode -- thus many airline pilots have ADD. They are well suited for this profession as the hyperfocus mode makes them able to pay attention where most normal people would tire.
People with ADD should just try harder and can pay attention if they tried. No. Neurological condition implies the brain does not function as it should. Most people with ADD suffer from expending 2-3 times the effort on a simple task, usually papework related as compared to most people. This does not guarantee it will get done.
There are so many misconceptions that abound and yes, children and adults often get misdiagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Many also go without getting the proper diagnosis that in some cases, could literally save lives. Highly intelligent people who constantly underachieve are the ones likely to get frustrated and lose hope -- leading to losing jobs, bad relationships.
While medication is certainly helpful, it is not a full cure. For those suffering from ADD, structure could make all the difference. It helps raise motivation levels which helps with focus. Exercise also helps as do simple tools. Omega 3 certainly helps as well.
Here's a great documentary by canadian comedian Patrick McKenna who suffers from ADD. It is very funny and poignant and tackles some of these myths. Watch it if interested for free at:
ADD & Loving It
On the topic at hand, I think ENFPs may have attention problems that may resemble symptoms associated with ADD. It's also possible that people with ADD may wrongly classify themselves as ENFP. Many characteristics associated with people with ADD are also those associated with ENFPs. Once the ADD is treated and the symptoms diminish, people may find they are actually closer to another personality type. So - I think the correlation may hold, I don;t know if there's more to it than some shared symptoms.