ADHD: An A to Z

A – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

A neurodevelopmental condition affecting attention, impulsivity, and activity levels.

B – Burnout

A state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion often experienced by individuals with ADHD due to chronic stress and overstimulation.

C – Comorbidity

The presence of one or more additional conditions alongside ADHD, such as anxiety or dyslexia.

D – Dopamine

A neurotransmitter linked to motivation and reward, often found in lower levels in people with ADHD.

E – Executive Function

A set of cognitive skills including working memory, flexible thinking, and self-control, often impaired in ADHD.

F – Forgetfulness

A common ADHD symptom, affecting daily tasks, appointments, and responsibilities.

G – Goal-Setting Difficulties

Struggles with planning and achieving long-term objectives due to ADHD-related executive dysfunction.

H – Hyperactivity

Excessive movement, restlessness, or difficulty staying still, which is a core symptom of ADHD. H is also for Hyperfocus, which is quite frankly - a superpower us ADHDers have and a noteworthy one at that. Hyperfocus is an ability to intensly focus (or zone) in on a specific task, usually driven by an interest in that activity or subject. The slight downside of this can mean sometimes focusing to the point of neglecting our basic needs like food or taking a break.

I – Impulsivity

Acting without thinking, leading to difficulties with self-control, decision-making, and social interactions.

J – Jumping from Task to Task

A tendency to abandon projects before completion due to distraction or boredom.

K – Kinetic Learning

A learning style involving movement, which can be beneficial for people with ADHD.

L – Lack of Focus

Difficulty maintaining attention on tasks, especially those that are not stimulating.

M – Masking

The process of concealing ADHD traits to fit societal expectations, often leading to exhaustion.

N – Neurodiversity

The concept that neurological differences like ADHD are natural variations of the human brain.

O – Overstimulation

Being overwhelmed by sensory input, emotions, or tasks, leading to shutdowns or anxiety.

P – Procrastination

Delaying tasks, often due to difficulties with motivation, prioritisation, or executive function.

Q – Quiet ADHD

A term describing individuals (often with inattentive-type ADHD) who experience internal restlessness rather than external hyperactivity.

R – Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

Intense emotional reactions to perceived criticism or rejection, common in people with ADHD.

S – Sensory Sensitivities

Heightened or reduced sensitivity to sounds, textures, lights, or other stimuli.

T – Time Blindness

A difficulty in perceiving and managing time, leading to lateness and poor time management.

U – Understimulation

A lack of mental engagement that can lead to restlessness, zoning out, or impulsivity.

V – Verbal Impulsivity

Blurting out words or interrupting conversations due to difficulty with self-regulation.

W – Working Memory Deficits

Struggles with holding and processing information temporarily, affecting problem-solving and organisation.

X – Xanthan Gum Brain (not a clinical term, but a humorous reference)

A term sometimes used to describe ADHD brain fog—where thoughts feel sticky, sluggish, or hard to process.

Y – Yawning Due to Boredom

People with ADHD often experience extreme boredom, which can manifest physically (e.g., frequent yawning).

Z – Zoning Out

A state of daydreaming or losing track of surroundings, common in inattentive ADHD.