Definition
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity that usually begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. The US National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) classifies it as a diagnosable medical condition.
Usage and common context
ADHD is a clinical diagnosis term: an evaluation by a qualified professional working from standardized criteria is required, and common interventions include behavioral treatment and medication, with plans varying from person to person. Casual phrases like “I’m so ADHD” are not the same as a clinical diagnosis.
Usage
In tech and workplace discussions, ADHD often appears in conversations about attention management, productivity tools and neurodiversity; references should distinguish clinical diagnosis from personal experience.
Related and confusable terms
ADHD is not the same as ordinary distractibility: the former is a medical condition with lasting life impact, while the latter is a fleeting state everyone experiences, and attention fluctuation alone does not establish the disorder.