ADHD

Medical abbreviation · Mental Health & Psychiatry

ADHD
Stands forAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
CategoriesMedical

ADHD stands for Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, a mental health & psychiatry abbreviation.

Neurodevelopmental disorder marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity or both, beginning before age 12 and causing impairment in at least two settings such as home and school. Treatment combines behavioral strategies, parent training, school supports and medication, most often stimulants such as methylphenidate or amphetamines.

Example: ADHD, combined presentation, Vanderbilt scales positive from parent and teacher; start methylphenidate ER 18 mg.

Usage notes

DSM-5 recognizes three presentations: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined. Adults need five of nine symptoms in a domain rather than six. Roughly one in nine US children has received a diagnosis, and symptoms persist into adulthood for many. The condition was called hyperkinetic reaction of childhood in 1968, attention deficit disorder (ADD) in 1980 and ADHD from 1987. Heritability is high, around 70–80 percent in twin studies. The AAP recommends behavioral therapy first for preschoolers. Nationwide stimulant shortages beginning in 2022 disrupted treatment for many patients.

More mental health & psychiatry abbreviations

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  • ACEs – Adverse childhood experiences
  • ACT – Acceptance and commitment therapy
  • ADD – Attention deficit disorder
  • AH – Auditory hallucinations
  • AIMS – Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale
  • AN – Anorexia nervosa
  • AOT – Assisted outpatient treatment
  • ARFID – Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
  • ASD – Autism spectrum disorder
  • ASPD – Antisocial personality disorder
  • AUD – Alcohol use disorder

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Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.