Glossary of key terms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with functioning or development.

DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders): A publication by the American Psychiatric Association that provides a standardized classification system for mental disorders, including diagnostic criteria and descriptions of symptoms.

Moral Defect: A term used by Sir George Frederic Still to describe ADHD in the early 20th century, implying a lack of moral control or consciousness. This concept has been widely criticized and is no longer considered valid.

Stimulant Medication: Medications that increase alertness, attention, and energy levels, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine (Adderall), commonly used to treat ADHD.

Hyperactivity: Excessive motor activity, restlessness, and difficulty staying still.

Impulsivity: Acting without thinking, difficulty waiting for one’s turn, and interrupting others.

Inattention: Difficulty sustaining focus, being easily distracted, and having problems with organization and follow-through.

Executive Functions: A set of higher-level cognitive processes that regulate behavior, including planning, working memory, inhibition, and flexible thinking.

Functionalism: A psychological theory that focuses on the purpose and function of mental processes in adapting to the environment.

Neurodevelopmental Disorder: A disorder that affects the development and functioning of the nervous system, often manifesting in early childhood.