attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

noun

variants or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

: a developmental disorder that is marked especially by persistent symptoms of inattention (such as distractibility, forgetfulness, or disorganization) or by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (such as fidgeting, speaking out of turn, or restlessness) or by symptoms of all three and that is not caused by any serious underlying physical or mental disorder

Note: Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder range from mild to severe and always interfere with normal development and daily functioning, though hyperactivity and impulsivity are not always present as symptoms. A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder typically requires that symptoms be present by the age of 12 and in more than one setting (such as both home and school). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may persist into adulthood, creating difficulties in one's occupation or social relationships.

called also attention deficit disorder

—abbreviation ADHD

Examples of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using natural supplements to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might help to manage symptoms. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 10 Oct. 2025

For students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and some stress disorders (PTSD), coloring can slow racing thoughts, steady the heart, and foster the calm needed to absorb and retain information. —Jason Phillips, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Some studies do suggest links between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. —Tami S. Rowen, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025

Young children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are being prescribed drugs too readily, research suggested. —Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• boarder
• border
• corder
• order
• warder
• camcorder
• recorder
• reorder
• suborder
• transborder

Medical Definition

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

noun

variants or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

: a developmental disorder that is marked especially by persistent symptoms of inattention (such as distractibility, forgetfulness, or disorganization) or by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (such as fidgeting, speaking out of turn, or restlessness) or by symptoms of all three and that is not caused by any serious underlying physical or mental disorder

Note: Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder range from mild to severe and always interfere with normal development and daily functioning, though hyperactivity and impulsivity are not always present as symptoms. A diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder typically requires that symptoms be present by the age of 12 and in more than one setting (such as both home and school). Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may persist into adulthood, creating difficulties in one's occupation or social relationships.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is generally considered as a childhood disorder. … However, ADHD symptoms in adulthood can present in numerous ways, such as restlessness, difficulty in relaxing, and dysphoria, whereas attention deficits may manifest as a lack of concentration regarding details, forgetting appointments, and a failure to plan and organize activities and work.

—Michael Rösler et al., The World Journal of Biological Psychiatry

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder … has become a common diagnosis in the United States, with reported rates in school-aged boys and girls of approximately 10% and 4%, respectively …

—Lydia Furman, Journal of Childhood Neurology

Discoveries in neuroscience are reinforcing a growing consensus that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder … is not just a set of behavior problems but a biologically based disorder of brain function. The symptoms of impulsiveness, inattentiveness, and hyperactivity arise, this research suggests, because misfiring of the brain's executive function—its management system— make it difficult to stay still, concentrate, and exercise forethought and self-control.

—Harvard Mental Health Letter

called also attention deficit disorder

—abbreviation ADHD