ADHD- History

        ADHD was first clinically described in 1902 by the British doctor G.F. Still documented cases of hyperactive behavior in children. Though he described the behavior as a "defect of moral control," he believed that the causes were not spiritual but medical.

        ADHD is also called Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or AD/HD (the most recent term) and ADD, which stands for Attention Deficit Disorder. It has also been called Hyperkinetic Impulsive Disorder, Brain Damaged Syndrome, and minimal brain dysfunction (MBD), but these terms are now in less widespread use. Although once thought to be a childhood disorder, many of the symptoms do persist into adulthood.

        In 1922, what would today be considered characteristics of ADHD were recorded and given the diagnosis Post-Encephalitic Behavior Disorder.

        Medicines were first used to relieve symptoms of ADHD in 1937.

        In the 1960s, ADHD is referred to as Minimal Brain Dysfunction (MBD), Hyperactive Child Syndrome, and Hyperactive Disorder of Childhood. The 1960s were also when researcher Stella Chess, who coined the term Hyperactive Child Syndrome, stated the belief that ADHD has a biological cause, not a psychological one.

        In the 1980s, ADHD is officially classified under the name Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD.

        ADHD has a long history but it will probably also have a long future accompanying mankind.









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