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

Higher levels of pro-inflammatory proteins from any source have been linked to neurological and sensory processing differences in conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, and autism. — Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026

In fact, one study found that at least 1 in 5 students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) did not receive accommodations despite experiencing academic and social impairment at schools. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 7 Aug. 2026

Most of the recent complaints list similar alleged injuries, including autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 12 June 2026

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. — Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026

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