attention deficit disorder

noun

Definition of attention deficit disorder

: a developmental disorder that is marked especially by persistent symptoms of inattention (such as distractibility, forgetfulness, or disorganization) or by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (such as fidgeting, speaking out of turn, or restlessness) or by symptoms of all three and that is not caused by any serious underlying physical or mental disorder

Note: Symptoms of attention deficit disorder range from mild to severe and always interfere with normal development and daily functioning. A diagnosis of attention deficit disorder typically requires that symptoms be present by the age of 12 and in more than one setting (such as both home and school). Attention deficit disorder may persist into adulthood, creating difficulties in one's occupation or social relationships. While hyperactivity and impulsivity are not always present as symptoms, attention deficit disorder is commonly referred to as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

—abbreviation ADD

Examples of attention deficit disorder in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many people — including those with autism, attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — need something to self-regulate, focus, and listen, Quinn said. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 16 June 2022 Autism is usually diagnosed around age 2, attention deficit disorder at school age or later, and schizophrenia in adolescence or young adulthood. — Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 19 June 2022 Traces of methamphetamine, which the coroner’s report said can be used to treat attention deficit disorder and obesity, were also found in Michael's blood. — Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 7 Apr. 2022 According to court records, Booker has a long history of mental illness, including attention deficit disorder and conduct disorder with adolescent onset. — Tresa Baldas, Detroit Free Press, 29 Mar. 2022 That approach — public health attention deficit disorder — has been the pattern with public health crises in the past. — Céline Gounder, STAT, 23 Feb. 2022 DarkNPS could be used to find psychoactive drugs with medical properties, like the next stimulant for attention deficit disorder, or a replacement for methadone in treating opioid use disorder. — Doug Johnson, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2022 Mungo took medication for bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder. — Tim Prudente, baltimoresun.com, 10 Dec. 2021 Blood pressure, diabetes, attention deficit disorder — all improve with some time spent outside. — CBS News, 14 Dec. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'attention deficit disorder.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

2 Aug 2022

Cite this Entry

“Attention deficit disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention%20deficit%20disorder. Accessed 15 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for attention deficit disorder

attention deficit disorder

noun

Medical Definition of attention deficit disorder

Three percent to 10 percent of children are estimated to have attention deficit disorder, and the problem is more common in boys than in girls. — The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News —abbreviation ADD