APA Dictionary of Psychology

n. a genetic condition that resembles hypoparathyroidism (deficiency of parathyroid hormone) but is characterized by inability to respond to parathyroid hormone rather than deficiencies. Patients may have short stature, a round face, and thick-set figure, along with impairment of smell and taste and mild to moderate intellectual developmental disorder. The disease is believed to be due to a genetic defect that blocks normal response to parathyroid hormone by receptor tissues. See also Albright’s hereditary osteodystrophy.