ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)
- A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting attention regulation, impulse control, and activity levels. Caused by differences in brain structure and chemistry, particularly in dopamine and norepinephrine systems.
ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
- Outdated term. Now called "ADHD, Predominantly Inattentive Type." The hyperactivity component isn't required for diagnosis.
Executive Function
- The brain's management system. Includes working memory, planning, organization, task initiation, impulse control, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility. These functions are specifically impaired in ADHD.
Executive Dysfunction
- Impairment in executive functions. Shows up as difficulty starting tasks, planning, organizing, managing time, or following through—even when you desperately want to and know what needs to be done.
Working Memory
- The ability to hold and manipulate information in your mind. Like mental sticky notes. ADHD brains have impaired working memory, which is why we forget what we just read, lose our train of thought, or forget why we walked into a room.
Dopamine
- A neurotransmitter involved in motivation, reward, attention, and movement. ADHD brains have dysregulated dopamine systems, which affects motivation and the ability to sustain attention on non-stimulating tasks.
Norepinephrine
- A neurotransmitter involved in attention, arousal, and stress response. Like dopamine, it's dysregulated in ADHD, affecting alertness and focus.
Prefrontal Cortex
- The brain region responsible for executive functions. In ADHD, this area develops more slowly and shows different patterns of activation, which explains the core symptoms.
Hyperfocus
- Intense, sustained concentration on something interesting to the point of ignoring everything else (time, food, people). Not voluntary and can't be directed—your brain locks onto something stimulating and won't let go. Often mistaken as proof that "you can focus when you want to."
Time Blindness
- Impaired perception and tracking of time. Time feels either "now" or "not now." Makes estimating task duration, being on time, and judging "how much time is left" extremely difficult.
RSD (Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria)
- Extreme emotional sensitivity to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. Not regular hurt feelings—a sudden, intense, sometimes physical emotional pain in response to social feedback. Common in ADHD due to emotional dysregulation and lifelong experiences of criticism.
Emotional Dysregulation
- Difficulty managing emotional responses. Emotions are more intense, triggered more easily, and harder to calm down from. Not being dramatic—it's neurological impairment in emotional regulation.
Masking
- Hiding ADHD symptoms to fit in or meet expectations. Common in girls/women and high-achieving individuals. Requires enormous energy and often leads to burnout. People who mask effectively are often dismissed as "not having real ADHD."
Body Doubling
- Working near another person (in-person or virtually) to increase focus and task initiation. Their presence provides external accountability and helps overcome executive dysfunction. Works even if they're doing completely different work.
Wall of Awful
- Concept by Brendan Mahan. Every negative experience around a task (shame, failure, frustration) builds an emotional barrier. The more you've struggled with something, the harder it becomes to start—even simple tasks can have massive walls.
Task Initiation
- The ability to start a task. Specifically impaired in ADHD. Not procrastination—it's getting stuck before you even begin, despite knowing what needs to be done and wanting to do it.
Task Switching
- The ability to shift from one task to another. ADHD makes this difficult—you either get stuck on one thing (hyperfocus) or switch too much (distraction). Finding the middle ground is hard.
Stimming
- Self-stimulating behaviors (fidgeting, bouncing legs, clicking pens, etc.). Provides sensory input that helps with focus and regulation. Not just "can't sit still"—it's a functional coping mechanism.
Inattentive Type
- ADHD presentation primarily characterized by inattention, distractibility, forgetfulness, and difficulty organizing—without significant hyperactivity. Often overlooked, especially in girls and women.
Hyperactive-Impulsive Type
- ADHD presentation primarily characterized by hyperactivity (fidgeting, restlessness, excessive talking) and impulsivity (interrupting, difficulty waiting, acting without thinking).
Combined Type
- ADHD presentation with significant symptoms from both inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. Most common type, affecting about 60% of people with ADHD.
Comorbidity
- Having ADHD plus another condition. Common comorbidities include anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, autism, and OCD. About 60-70% of people with ADHD have at least one comorbid condition.
Stimulant Medication
- First-line ADHD medication that increases dopamine and norepinephrine. Includes methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and amphetamine-based medications (Adderall, Vyvanse). Called "stimulants" but have a calming, focusing effect on ADHD brains.
Non-Stimulant Medication
- Alternative ADHD medications (Strattera, Intuniv, Wellbutrin) for people who don't respond to or can't take stimulants. Work differently than stimulants and often take longer to show effects.
Titration
- The process of adjusting medication dosage to find the optimal balance of effectiveness and minimal side effects. Takes time and often requires trying different medications or doses.
Accommodation
- Changes to environment, expectations, or processes that allow people with ADHD to function effectively. Examples: extended test time, flexible work hours, noise-reducing workspace. Not "special treatment"—leveling the playing field.
IEP (Individualized Education Program)
- Legal document outlining special education services and accommodations for students with disabilities, including ADHD. Provides more support than a 504 plan.
504 Plan
- Document outlining accommodations for students with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. For ADHD, typically includes things like extended test time, preferential seating, or assignment modifications.
ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- Federal law prohibiting discrimination based on disability and requiring reasonable accommodations. ADHD qualifies if it significantly impacts major life activities.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Therapy approach that addresses thought patterns and behaviors. CBT adapted for ADHD focuses on organizational skills, time management, procrastination, and negative self-talk.
ADHD Coach
- Professional who helps with practical ADHD management: building systems, accountability, goal-setting, and strategy implementation. Not a therapist—focuses on skills and practical support, not mental health treatment.
Neurotypical
- Person without neurological differences like ADHD, autism, or dyslexia. Brain develops and functions in typical patterns. Not better or worse—just different from neurodivergent brains.
Neurodivergent
- Having a brain that functions differently from the typical pattern. Includes ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. Not a disorder to fix—a different way of processing the world.
Sensory Issues
- Over- or under-sensitivity to sensory input (sound, touch, light, texture). Common in ADHD. Can manifest as being bothered by tags in shirts, needing background noise to focus, or being overwhelmed by crowded spaces.
Analysis Paralysis
- Getting stuck overthinking and unable to make decisions or take action. Common in ADHD due to difficulty prioritizing and fear of making the wrong choice.
Pomodoro Technique
- Time management method using 25-minute focused work periods followed by 5-minute breaks. Helpful for ADHD because it provides structure, makes tasks feel less overwhelming, and gives the brain frequent breaks.
DSM-5
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. The standard reference used by mental health professionals for diagnosing psychiatric conditions, including ADHD.
Note
This glossary focuses on terms commonly used in ADHD conversations and resources. It's not exhaustive, and some definitions are simplified for clarity. For clinical definitions, consult medical resources or healthcare providers.