attention deficit disorder

American  

[uh-ten-shuhn def-uh-sit dis-awr-der] / əˈtɛn ʃən ˈdɛf ə sɪt dɪsˌɔr dər /

noun

1. ADD.

---

attention deficit disorder British  

noun

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

---

Attention Deficit Disorder Cultural  

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

---

Discover More

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.

Etymology

Origin of attention deficit disorder

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

In her early teens, her parents say, she began showing signs of borderline personality disorder, attention deficit disorder and depression.

From Los Angeles Times

He was, after all, a doctor, and he suspected that the teacher was trying to tell them that he had failed to diagnose attention deficit disorder in his own son.

From Literature

There remains no settled science on a causal link between Tylenol and autism or attention deficit disorder.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I’m not proud of having a poor education. I’m not proud of being dyslexic and having attention deficit disorder,” he says, pausing to request some sweetener to stir into this tea.

From Salon

Figures were also far higher for pupils with additional learning needs, including those with attention deficit disorder.

From BBC