attention deficit disorder (ADD), a syndrome affecting children, adolescents, and adults characterized by short attention span, hyperactivity, and poor concentration. The symptoms may be mild or severe and are associated with functional deviations of the central nervous system without signs of major neurological or psychiatric disturbance. The people affected are usually of normal intelligence but often trail their peers in academic achievement. Other symptoms may include impairment in perception, conceptualization, language, memory, and motor skills; decreased attention span; increased impulsivity; and emotional lability. The condition is more prevalent in boys than in girls and may result from genetic factors, biochemical irregularities, perinatal or postnatal injury, or disease. There is no known cure, and symptoms may subside or disappear with time. Medications are frequently prescribed for children with hyperactive symptoms, and some form of psychotherapeutic counseling is recommended. Treatment of children is most effective with family and behaviorally oriented programs. Adult counseling tends to focus on specific issues such as time management and goal setting. Also called hyperactivity, hyperkinesis, minimal brain dysfunction. See also learning disability.
