Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (also known as ADHD, ADDH): A behavior disorder originating in childhood in which the essential features are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although most individuals have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-imp

NIH MeSH · D001289Psychiatry and Psychology

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

Also known asADHD · ADDH · Attention Deficit Disorders with Hyperactivity · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder · Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorders · Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, Attention · Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorders, Attention · Disorder, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity · Disorders, Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity · Hyperkinetic Syndrome

Definition

A behavior disorder originating in childhood in which the essential features are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although most individuals have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, one or the other pattern may be predominant. The disorder is more frequent in males than females. Onset is in childhood. Symptoms often attenuate during late adolescence although a minority experience the full complement of symptoms into mid-adulthood. (From DSM-V)

MeSH classification

  • F03.625.094.150

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Related concepts

Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Includes two similar disorders: oppositional defiant disorder and CONDUCT DISORDERS. Symptoms occurring in children with these disorders inc…

Conduct Disorder

A repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are vio…

Common questions about Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity

What does Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity mean in medicine?
A behavior disorder originating in childhood in which the essential features are signs of developmentally inappropriate inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Although most individuals have symptoms of both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, one or the other pattern may be predominant. The disorder is more frequent in males than females. Onset is in childhood. Symptoms often attenuate during late adolescence although a minority experience the full complement of symptoms into mid-adulthood. (From DSM-V) This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity known by any other names?
Yes. Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity is also referred to as ADHD, ADDH, Attention Deficit Disorders with Hyperactivity, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity sit in the medical classification?
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity falls under the broader medical category "Psychiatry and Psychology" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: F03.625.094.150). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity?
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Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D001289) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗