attention deficit disorder

noun
1.
a condition, usually in children, marked by inattentiveness, dreaminess, and passivity.
Abbreviation: ADD.
2.
(no longer in technical use) attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Origin
1980-85
British Dictionary definitions for attention deficit disorder

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
Word Origin and History for attention deficit disorder
n.

(abbreviated ADD) became a diagnosis in the third edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (1980); expanded to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ("the co-existence of attentional problems and hyperactivity, with each behavior occurring infrequently alone;" ADHD) in DSM-III (1987).

attention deficit disorder in Medicine

attention deficit disorder at·ten·tion deficit disorder (ə-těn'shən)
n.
Abbr. ADD

  1. A childhood syndrome characterized by impulsiveness and short attention span, and sometimes by hyperactivity that often leads to learning disabilities and various behavioral problems.

  2. See minimal brain dysfunction.

attention deficit disorder in Culture
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

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

Note: 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.