attention deficit disorder

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 Dozens of legal drugs are also well documented for triggering false-positive drug screens, from antihistamines to attention deficit disorder medication, acid reflux pills to blood pressure pills and even ibuprofen. — Anna Claire Vollers | Avollers@al.com, al, "New moms in Alabama face suspicion over error-prone drug screens," 9 Feb. 2020 The pair concocted a plan to sell their Adderall, prescribed for attention deficit disorder, on the dark web — a wild, unregulated layer of the internet reached through a special browser. — Washington Post, "The rise and fall of an Eagle Scout’s deadly fentanyl empire," 15 Sep. 2019 New Mexico will consider whether to extend its medical cannabis program to help dogs with epilepsy and people with attention deficit disorder. — Morgan Lee, chicagotribune.com, "New Mexico petition seeks medical marijuana for ailing household pets," 22 Nov. 2019 The pair concocted a plan to sell their Adderall, prescribed for attention deficit disorder, on the dark web — a wild, unregulated layer of the internet reached through a special browser. — Washington Post, "The rise and fall of an Eagle Scout’s deadly fentanyl empire," 15 Sep. 2019 The pair concocted a plan to sell their Adderall, prescribed for attention deficit disorder, on the dark web — a wild, unregulated layer of the internet reached through a special browser. — Washington Post, "The rise and fall of an Eagle Scout’s deadly fentanyl empire," 15 Sep. 2019 The pair concocted a plan to sell their Adderall, prescribed for attention deficit disorder, on the dark web — a wild, unregulated layer of the internet reached through a special browser. — Claire Galofaro And Lindsay Whitehurst, chicagotribune.com, "The rise and fall of an Eagle Scout’s deadly multimillion-dollar fentanyl trafficking empire," 14 Sep. 2019 The percentage of young adult women who filled prescriptions for drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder has increased more than fivefold since 2003, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported on Thursday. — Benedict Carey, New York Times, "Young Women Are Using A.D.H.D. Drugs in Greater Numbers, C.D.C. Reports," 18 Jan. 2018 In junior high, he was diagnosed with attention deficit disorder. — Nick Heil, Outside Online, "The Tragedy on Howse Peak," 28 Aug. 2019

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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Dictionary Entries near attention deficit disorder

attentat

attentate

attention

attention deficit disorder

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

attention-getter

attention-grabbing

Statistics for attention deficit disorder

Last Updated

17 Feb 2020

Cite this Entry

“Attention deficit disorder.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/attention%20deficit%20disorder. Accessed 22 Feb. 2020.

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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, 8 Apr. 1993 —abbreviation ADD