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

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Recent Examples on the Web

The long-term effects include anxiety and depression, impulse control, and attention deficit disorder. — NBC News, "Border separations show why the US doesn't have orphanages any more," 20 June 2018 If not, contact the psychological association in your state about a referral to a therapist who specializes in patients with adult attention deficit disorder. — Houston Chronicle, "Hard-working college student strives to be more organized," 13 July 2018 Words, like children with attention deficit disorder, won’t sit still. — Joseph Epstein, WSJ, "Sometimes the Language Game Needs a Penalty Box," 6 June 2018 New research shows that transgender and gender nonconforming youngsters are at far greater risk for depression, attention deficit disorder, suicidal thoughts, and other mental and emotional problems than their peers. — Rita Giordano, Philly.com, "Transgender kids vulnerable to bullying, long-term depression, large studies find," 16 Apr. 2018 What had helped him, at least temporarily, was a prescription for stimulants in the wake of a diagnosis of adult attention deficit disorder in his early thirties. — Moises Velasquez-manoff, WIRED, "Ketamine Stirs Up Hope—and Controversy—as a Depression Drug," 8 May 2018 Shire, which makes the attention deficit disorder drug Adderall and rare disease treatments, trades nearly 40% below its high set in 2015. — Charley Grant, WSJ, "Third Time Unlucky for Takeda and Shire," 19 Apr. 2018 These include increased depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, hurry sickness and even aggression. — Philip Chard, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Spending time in nature is essential for human beings," 19 Apr. 2018 At least 15 percent of trans children had attention deficit disorder, a rate three to seven times higher than cisgender youngsters. — Rita Giordano, Philly.com, "Transgender kids vulnerable to bullying, long-term depression, large studies find," 16 Apr. 2018

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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attentat

attentate

attention

attention deficit disorder

attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

attention-getter

attention-grabbing

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The first known use of attention deficit disorder was in 1978

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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