If you’ve been in the ADHD community for a while, you’ve probably heard terms like “executive dysfunction” or “dopamine chasing.” For someone new to the diagnosis, this vocabulary can feel like a secret code. Understanding these phrases is essential for navigating your new world. Here is a simple breakdown of common ADHD jargon.
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Executive functions are the mental skills that help you get things done. They include planning, organising, starting tasks, and managing time. When people say they have “executive dysfunction,” they mean their brain struggles to perform these basic management tasks.
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Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration on a task that is interesting or stimulating to the person. During hyperfocus, a person may lose track of time and ignore basic needs like eating or using the bathroom. While it can sound like a superpower, it often leads to exhaustion and neglect of other responsibilities.
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RSD is an extreme emotional sensitivity to perceived rejection or criticism. It is not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, but many people with ADHD experience it. It can cause intense emotional pain and lead to people-pleasing or avoidance behaviors.
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Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. People with ADHD often have lower baseline levels of dopamine, which can lead to “dopamine chasing” - seeking out stimulating or risky activities to feel a sense of reward.
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Masking is the act of hiding ADHD symptoms to fit in with societal expectations. This might include forcing eye contact, suppressing fidgeting, or over-preparing for meetings. Masking is exhausting and can lead to burnout and anxiety.
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Time blindness is the inability to accurately perceive the passage of time. A person with time blindness might think they have plenty of time to get ready, only to realise they are late. This is a core symptom of ADHD, not a character flaw.
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Overstimulation occurs when the brain receives more sensory input than it can process. This can lead to irritability, anxiety, or shutdown. People with ADHD are often more sensitive to noise, light, and other environmental factors.
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Emotional dysregulation refers to difficulties in managing the intensity and duration of emotional responses. People with ADHD may feel emotions more intensely, more frequently, and more suddenly than others. This is not just about being “sensitive”; it is a neurological difference in how the brain processes emotional stimulition.