Skip to main content
A condition that's largely misunderstood by both the general public and the medical community.

It labels a set of observable behavior patterns, primarily involving short attention spans, but there's a great deal of controversy about causes. Some researchers have discovered differences in brain activity in ADHD patients. But they've been unable to say whether they're merely looking at the affect of a behavior difference on the brain or a cause.

What we do know is this-- ADHD has become the "go to" excuse used by both parents and teachers unwilling to impose & teach discipline to their children and students. It is also a multi-million dollar windfall for the Ciba-Geigy pharmaceutical company
Teacher: "Mark has been acting out in class. I can't get him to focus on his work."
Parent: "Not my precious Mark. But he's my little genius!"
Teacher: "Then, it must be ADHD. Just ask your family doctor to prescribe Ritalin. Have in throw in some Xanax for you, too. Parenting a child with ADHD is bound to cause you anxiety."
adhd by Richard Dickey December 28, 2005
adhd mug front
Get the adhd mug.
See more merch
One of several supposed disorders a doctor may diagnose one of having. I was diagnosed with ADD, so I'm not BSing here. I was given Ritalin, which caused side effects such as appetite suppression and strange throat pain. After quitting the drug, I felt much better. I regained the weight and did not have any mental problems. Okay, so maybe I was a little hyper as a kid, but I blame it on the sugar.

I must say it is totally wrong and apalling to pass off someone diagnosed with ADD or ADHD as a retard or idiot, they probably are smarter than you ;), and are just a victim of modern "medicine".
Doctor: He has ADHD, I prescribe Ritalin. That'll be $150.
ADHD by spacecoyote17 September 6, 2008
A mental disorder, common in children, that only affects 10% of kids who claim to have it. It causes hyperactivity and a low attemtion span. I hate ADHD. Im socially awkward because of it and have almost no friends. Im ridiculed in school, and labeled as a "retard" and "idiot" even though i have a genius level IQ. No, i dont take ritalin, im not a stoner, and i have feelings. ADHD is also referred to as "ADD". It is the basis of many stereotypes.
1. Hey, he has ADHD, he must be an idiot!
2. Its not my fault that i have ADHD.

3. "cool kid": hey guys, i have ADHD! He (guy who actually has ADHD) is a RETARD!
I real mental disorder that is NOT just an excuse to bring fidget spinners to school. If you want to know more, Google is your friend.
I know someone with ADHD and it's really annoying when people joke about it or call it a disease.
ADHD by Being. Human, Being September 28, 2017
A-Awesome
D-Disorder
H-Hot
D-Dog!
adhd is cool
ADHD by Dolphins!! <33 May 14, 2023
known as ADHD...or attention defficite hyperactivity disorder. i myself was diagnosed in second grade. it is commonly treated to boys and is harder for girls to be diagnosed. i have been on concerta(which is like ridalin but i only have to take it once a day). i hate being off my medicine because i fidget, i cant concentrate, or write anything without ending up drawing like unicorns or whatever on the paper;)...but dont think ADHD is this big bad disorder...because trust me nobody knows u have it unless u tell them. oh and this isnt a deffintion its more like a....ummmmm a ummmmm personal story or whatever.
I have had ADHD for most of my life, and im still a really cool person!
adhd by kARa....... kara November 22, 2006
ADHD is a chronic condition marked by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and sometimes impulsivity. ADHD begins in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. As many as 2 out of every 3 children with ADHD continue to have symptoms as adults
Methylphenidate contributes to the treatment of ADHD by increasing attention and decreasing restlessness in children and adults who are overactive, cannot concentrate for very long, or are easily distracted, and are impulsive.
ADHD by Braylee2113 November 12, 2018