What is ADHD?

ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition affecting executive function — the brain systems responsible for attention regulation, impulse control, working memory, and planning. It shows up differently person to person: some people are more inattentive, some more hyperactive-impulsive, and many are a mix of both.

It's not a lack of willpower or discipline. Brain imaging and genetics research both point to real, measurable differences in how dopamine and norepinephrine signaling work in ADHD brains, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and striatum — which is exactly what the brain diagram in the "Click a brain region" section is built around.

The clips below are a rolling mix of short, creator-made explainers — useful for getting a feel for lived experience, not a substitute for the research entries in "Explore substances".