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Effects
Because nature deficit disorder is not meant to be a medical diagnosis (and is not recognized as one), researchers have not assessed the effects of nature deficit disorder. However, Richard Louv uses the term to point to some negative effects of spending less time in nature:


 * Children have limited respect for their immediate natural surroundings. Louv believes that the effects of nature deficit disorder on our children will be an even bigger problem in the future. "An increasing pace in the last three decades, approximately, of a rapid disengagement between children and direct experiences in nature…has profound implications, not only for the health of future generations but for the health of the Earth itself". The effects from nature deficit disorder could lead to the first generation being at risk of having a shorter lifespan than their parents.
 * Attention disorders and depression may develop. "It's a problem because kids who don't get nature-time seem more prone to anxiety, depression and attention-deficit problems". Louv suggests that going outside and being in the quiet and calm place can help greatly. According to a University of Illinois study, interaction with nature reduces symptoms of ADD in children.  According to this study, "exposure to ordinary natural settings in the course of common after-school and weekend activities may be widely effective in reducing attention deficit symptoms in children". Attention Restoration Theory develops this idea further, both in short term restoration of one's abilities, and the long term ability to cope with stress and adversity.
 * Louv claims that "studies of students in California and nationwide show that schools that use outdoor classrooms and other forms of experiential education produce significant student gains in social studies, science, language arts, and math".
 * In an interview on Public School Insight, Louv stated some positive effects of treating nature deficit disorder, "everything from a positive effect on the attention span to stress reduction to creativity, cognitive development, and their sense of wonder and connection to the earth". Researchers and medical practitioners have not confirmed these effects.
 * With how the world operates today, people in general spend less time outdoors due to technology. Because of this, not being outdoors has taken a toll on individuals health, and overall well-being. "Research has been shown that children do better physically and emotionally when they are in green spaces, benefiting from the positive feelings, stress reduction, and attention restoration nature engenders."
 * A relationship between the length of time of exposure to sunlight (by being outdoors) and a lesser incidence of myopia has been observed.
 * A child needs the healthy outdoors for proper development, "This has implications for a wide range of health issues, including ADHD, child obesity, stress, creativity and cognitive functioning."
 * According to Robert Louv, some other effects of nature deficit disorder can be, diminished use of senses, attention deficits, conditions of obesity, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses.