As a therapist specializing in ADHD—and someone who lives with it—I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on what ADHD truly is and how it affects people. And let me tell you, the name “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” doesn’t even come close to describing the experience. If anything, the name feels misleading and, at times, dismissive. It’s a term that focuses on a narrow slice of what we deal with while ignoring the larger, more complex reality of living with ADHD.
Here’s why I believe the name needs a serious rebrand and what a more accurate name might convey.
Misleading Terminology: What ADHD Gets Wrong
“Attention Deficit”
Let’s start with the first part: “Attention Deficit.” This implies that people with ADHD can’t pay attention, which isn’t entirely true. If anything, I often have too much attention—but it’s scattered, unfocused, or hyper-focused on the wrong thing.
For example, I can get lost in a project I love and completely forget the world around me (hello, hyperfocus). But when it comes to tasks that don’t interest me, like paperwork, my brain simply won’t cooperate. It’s not a deficit of attention; it’s an inconsistency in how attention is regulated. Our brains are wired to prioritize novelty, urgency, and interest, and anything outside of those parameters feels impossible to focus on.
“Hyperactivity”
The “hyperactivity” part of ADHD is also misleading, especially for adults. While many children with ADHD show visible hyperactivity—like constant fidgeting or running around—this symptom often evolves as we age. For adults, hyperactivity might look like internal restlessness, an inability to sit still, or even a racing mind that never quiets down.
For someone like me, the hyperactivity is less about running in circles and more about pacing while I work or needing to move when I think. It’s subtle, internalized, and often misunderstood.
“Disorder”
Finally, there’s “disorder.” I get it—it’s a clinical term. But it reinforces a stigma that there’s something inherently wrong with us. ADHD isn’t a flaw; it’s a different way of processing the world. While it brings challenges, it also comes with creativity, passion, and the ability to think outside the box.
What ADHD Really Feels Like
ADHD isn’t just about focus or hyperactivity. It’s about living in a world designed for linear thinkers when your brain is wired for spirals, leaps, and bursts of energy. Here’s what the name doesn’t capture:
Emotional Intensity: ADHD often comes with heightened emotions. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), for instance, can make small criticisms feel devastating.
Executive Dysfunction: Forget about organizing, planning, or prioritizing when your brain feels like a cluttered room with no shelves.
Time Blindness: Whether it’s chronic lateness or getting lost in tasks, our relationship with time feels broken.
Sensory Overload: Bright lights, loud sounds, or crowded spaces can be overwhelming and draining.
Strengths That Go Unseen: Creativity, hyperfocus on passions, and a knack for problem-solving are often overlooked because the challenges overshadow them.
What Should We Call It Instead?
I don’t claim to have the perfect name, but here are a few ideas that feel more accurate:
Attention Regulation Disorder (ARD): Reflecting the inconsistency in attention rather than a deficit.
Executive Function Dysregulation: Highlighting the struggles with planning, organization, and time management.
Neurodivergent Attention Pattern: Acknowledging that ADHD is part of neurodiversity, not a “broken” system.
Why the Name Matters
Language shapes how we see ourselves and how others see us. When ADHD is framed as a “deficit” or “disorder,” it perpetuates stigma and makes people feel less capable. As a therapist, I see so many clients who struggle with shame, believing their ADHD is a character flaw rather than a neurological difference.
Changing the name wouldn’t just be a superficial fix—it would help people better understand the condition, its challenges, and its strengths. It would open the door to greater compassion, both from ourselves and from the world around us.
Final Thoughts
Living with ADHD is hard enough without the added weight of a name that doesn’t tell the full story. It’s not just about attention or hyperactivity; it’s about navigating a unique way of being in the world.
If you’ve ever felt like ADHD doesn’t describe your experience, you’re not alone. And if you’re struggling to manage your symptoms or embrace your strengths, I’m here to help. Together, we can rewrite the narrative—not just about the name, but about what ADHD truly is.
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