ADHD

American  

[ey-dee-eych-dee] / ˈeɪˌdiˈeɪtʃˌdi /

abbreviation

1. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a condition, usually apparent in childhood but often persisting into adulthood, characterized by difficulties with executive function, lack of focus, hyperactivity, and/or impulsiveness: the three subtypes of ADHD are inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined.

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ADHD British  

abbreviation

1. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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ADHD Scientific  

1. Abbreviation of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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Etymology

Origin of ADHD

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

In California, the most common category for accommodation is psychological conditions, which can include ADHD, anxiety and learning disabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Barbara Sahakian, a neuropsychologist at the University of Cambridge who specialises in ADHD, said the condition affects the brain's frontal lobe, which play a key role in organisation and focus.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2026

According to Pinggal, a possible next step is to test whether this same method could reduce daytime sleep like brain activity in people with ADHD.

From Science Daily • Mar. 17, 2026

Specifically, according to Alexander, “D-MER does tend to be more prevalent in those who have ADHD, are autistic, or people that have dealt with previous diagnosis of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.”

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2026

One poor bastard is ADHD, OCD, BPD, bipolar, and on top of it all has some sort of anxiety disorder.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven