spectrum disorder

Noun

 * 1)  A physiological or psychological disorder which may take any of a range of forms or be indicated by any of a range of symptoms.
 * 2) * 2008 Dec., Nancy M. Ridgway at al., "Doctors advise women not to drink alcohol during pregnancy," vol. 35, no. 4, p. 623:
 * Today, many researchers believe that compulsive buying should be considered as exhibiting elements of both obsessive-compulsive and impulse-control disorders, calling this theory obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder.
 * Today, many researchers believe that compulsive buying should be considered as exhibiting elements of both obsessive-compulsive and impulse-control disorders, calling this theory obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorder.

Usage notes

 * Most commonly used with reference to psychiatric disorders.