| attention deficit disorder | |
| —n | |
| ADD a disorder, particularly of children, characterized by excessive activity and inability to concentrate on one task for any length of time | |
| a fool or simpleton; ninny. |
| the offspring of a zebra and a donkey. |
attention deficit disorder at·ten·tion deficit disorder (ə-těn'shən)
n.
Abbr. ADD
A childhood syndrome characterized by impulsiveness and short attention span, and sometimes by hyperactivity that often leads to learning disabilities and various behavioral problems.
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.