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ADHD

Written by Livia Farkas || First published: 28 June, 2023 | Last edited: 13 July, 2023 || 📚🕒 Reading Time: 2 minutes

ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is a lifelong, hereditary1 neurological condition.

A person with ADHD can be inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive in their internal mental processes as well as their outward presentation, from speech to behaviour patterns. They can also be a combined subtype with characteristics from both sets. 

The names of ADHD

ADHD has an infamous misnomer, as even the current descriptor is not accurate to the condition.

  1. There is no attention deficit, but rather an interest-based cognition, as ADHDers have plenty of attention when a task is stimulating enough (just think of hyperfocus).
  2. Hyperactivity is also just one of the subtypes, and not every ADHDer presents hyperactive traits.
  3. Thirdly, ADHD is not a disorder but a condition, as the consensus moves more and more toward neurovariety. Neurovariety means that neurodivergent conditions are not illnesses that need to be cured, but naturally existing variations of the human brain.

How the names and understanding of ADHD evolved

  • 1798 — Mental restlessness
  • 1930s — Minimal brain damage
  • 1960s — Minimal brain dysfunction
  • 1968 — Hyperkinetic reaction of childhood
  • 1980 — Attention-deficit disorder (ADD). This is still a version that some people use, even though it’s been officially changed since 1987.
  • 1987 — Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (1987)
  • 1994 — ADHD with 3 subtypes: hyperactive-impulsive, inattentive and a combined subtype
  • 2013 — ADHD with 3 symptom presentations, with the understanding that an individual can shift through the three presentations and the symptoms can present differently at different stages of their life. 2

Related terms

Executive dysfunction

Executive functions are essential, they help us make plans, stay organized, pay attention, and keep our emotions in check. It plays a big role in making decisions and adapting to new situations.

Executive dysfunction can happen when these processes have some impairment.

Read moreExecutive dysfunction

Hyperactivity

Hyperactive Type is one of the ADHD subtypes. Hyperactivity can present in physical and mental symptoms. Hyperactive traits include fidgeting and other sensory-seeking behaviours, interrupting others when they talk or finishing their sentences for them, impulsive actions and thrill-seeking behaviour (with a reduced sense of danger), having many …

Read moreHyperactivity

Hyperfocus

Hyperfocus is a cognitive state characterized by an intense concentration and absorption in a particular task or activity to the point of excluding or neglecting other stimuli or responsibilities.

Read moreHyperfocus

Inattentive

Inattentive is one of the ADHD subtypes, also known as the distracted type. Inattentive traits include daydreaming, forgetfulness (not remembering the question while answering, forgetting things at home, following instructions with multiple sub-tasks), and difficulty focusing on a task that’s not engaging enough.

Read moreInattentive

PMDD

PMDD is Premenstrual Disphoric Disorder, and refers to a severe, disabling form of PMS.

Read morePMDD

Masking

Masking is a partly unconscious effort to hide or suppress the manifestations of your neurodivergence. It is an exhausting process that many of us do to "fit in" more. Many people start to mask to avoid abuse, discrimination, bullying, harm and ableism.

Read moreMasking

Stimming

Stimming (also known as self-stimulating) is a common sensory-seeking neurodivergent behaviour. It means stimulating yourself in a repetitive manner to self-soothe, regulate, or express excitement. Stimming is common both in ADHD and autism.
Stimming movements, however, are common in all human beings. Everybody stims, whether it’s chewing the end …

Read moreStimming

Dopamine

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in many different functions, including movement, motivation, reward, and pleasure. It is one of the most important neurotransmitters you have to get to know if you want to understand ADHD better.

Read moreDopamine

AuDHD

AuDHD is an unofficial term for co-occurring Autism and ADHD – it is used when someone has both conditions.

Read moreAuDHD
Blogpost mentioning this term:
  • I accidentally built a glossary of neurodivergent terms
  • How to talk about neurodivergence in a kind way: terms & phrases to know
  • ADHD Planners: Bad advice, myths, solutions and best choices
  • How to spot if a product for ADHD is a rip-off: look out for these 10 red flags
  • Why self-compassion is more important than self-care
« Back to the Glossary
References
1↑ "[...] while environmental and cultural factors can alter behavior and child development, research confirms that ADHD is primarily a biologically-based disorder." https://www.additudemag.com/is-adhd-hereditary-yes-and-no/
2↑ David Anderson, Ph.D.: ADHD Then and Now: How Our Understanding Has Evolved | Source
Previous Post:Specific Learning Difficulties
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About the Author

  • Livia Farkas

    Livia Farkas

    Livia is a Neurodivergent Adaptation Educator with a sharp sense for simplifying complex ideas. Since 2008, she's developed 294 distinct techniques catered to the needs of clients. A total of 5058 alumni have enrolled in one or more of the 8 online courses she co-developed with Adam, offering neurodivergence-inclusive frameworks for time management, goal setting, self-care for mental health, and small-business management. Her life goal is to be a walking permission slip for neurodivergent adults. In her free time, she enjoys stickers & planners, crochet & roller skates, and running around with her pet bunny Rumi.

    View all posts

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