attention deficit disorder

[ uh-ten-shuhn def-uh-sit dis-awr-der ]

noun

1. ADD.

attention deficit disorder

noun

1. a disorder, particularly of children, characterized by excessive activity and inability to concentrate on one task for any length of time ADD

Attention Deficit Disorder

1. A disorder characterized by a difficulty in retaining focus, especially on tasks, for long periods of time.

Notes

One of the most common reasons children are brought into therapy, ADD is often treated with the somewhat controversial drug Ritalin®, which is thought to work by stimulating the attention-focusing structures of the brain .

Word History and Origins

Origin of attention deficit disorder¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

The company wanted to exclude the opinions of experts in a multijurisdictional against it on whether in-utero exposure to acetaminophen, the pain reliever used in Tylenol, could lead to autism or attention deficit disorder.

From Seattle Times

That speculation increased after his lawyers raised the possibility in a letter on Sunday requesting that he receive increased access to Adderall for his attention deficit disorder.

From BBC

Ten to 50 percent of inmates in prison have ADHD, according to estimates by the Attention Deficit Disorder Association and the Bureau of Prisons.

From Slate

His own attention deficit disorder.

From Los Angeles Times

One of the pictured medical documents, dated February 2014, details Hadid’s struggles with dozens of health problems, including fatigue, attention deficit disorder, memory disturbances, depression, sleep disorders, headaches, disequilibrium, nightmares, muscular weakness, chest pain and palpitations.

From Los Angeles Times