attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

American  

[uh-ten-shuhn def-uh-sit hahy-per-ak-tiv-i-tee dis-awr-der] / əˈtɛn ʃən ˈdɛf ə sɪt ˌhaɪ pər ækˈtɪv ɪ ti dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

1. ADHD.

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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder British  

noun

1.  ADHD.  a form of attention deficit disorder in which hyperactivity is a prominent symptom

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attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Scientific  

1. A syndrome of disordered behavior, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and sometimes hyperactivity that interferes with academic, occupational, or social performance.

2. Also called attention deficit disorder

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Etymology

Origin of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Rivera, who lives in South Gate, has a 6-year-old daughter who is autistic and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a 16-year-old son who is autistic and nonverbal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Their claim that acetaminophen—the main active ingredient in Tylenol—can cause autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder if taken during pregnancy was rejected in federal multi-district litigation in 2023.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 29, 2025

On Thursday, Alisdair Williamson KC, for Yaxley-Lennon, told the High Court his client had a complex form of post-traumatic stress disorder, exacerbated by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2025

Just before Katie Marsh dropped out of college, she began to worry that she might have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

From New York Times • May 20, 2024

Imbalances in how these oscillations interact with each other may be involved in brain disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the researchers say.

From Science Daily • Jan. 18, 2024