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

One team member is in a wheelchair, while others have conditions such as ADHD.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Many of these genes have previously been associated with both autism and ADHD.

From Science Daily • Apr. 9, 2026

In 2024, Goodwin Procter started a program called “Thriving with ADHD,” which addressed issues around task initiation, sleep, mental health and working with colleagues with ADHD.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 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