1 attention deficit disorder | Definition of attention deficit disorder

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

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 Students served under such plans could have short-term disabilities — such as a broken arm — that could require temporary accommodations, or long-term needs related to dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, diabetes or other issues. Dallas News, "Does better access to disability accommodations give wealthy schools' kids an edge getting into college?," 9 Aug. 2019 The big three complaints are allergies, asthma and attention deficit disorder, and anxiety is quickly becoming the fourth, Ms. Godel said. Douglas Belkin, WSJ, "The New Camp Counselor Is a Therapist," 20 July 2018 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

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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First Known Use of attention deficit disorder

1978, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for attention deficit disorder

attention deficit disorder

noun

Medical 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.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on attention deficit disorder

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about attention deficit disorder