(also called hyperactivity, or hyperkinesis), a learning disorder affecting children, adolescents, and, rarely, adults. Attention deficit disorder, or ADD, is 10 times more common in males than in females. There are associated learning and behavioral difficulties, but people with ADD are of normal or above-average intelligence. Symptoms, which can be mild or severe, include short attention span, impulsiveness, unpredictability, emotional instability, and overactivity. People with ADD may also have blocked vision, language, memory, and motor skills. When overstimulated, some people with attention deficit disorder become aggressive and destructive. Treatment consists of the management of specific medical problems and educational difficulties; in some cases, medication is used. see also in index Hyperactivity