History Of ADHD

By Dr. Kensington

The history of ADHD is long and storied. In 1798 Sir Alexander Crichton described a condition called “mental restlessness” in his book titled "An Inquiry Into the Nature and Origin of Mental Derangement."

Since then, however, we have come a long way from viewing the condition so negatively.

The 1968 version of the Diagnostic And Statistical Manual Of Mental Health Disorders (DSM) referred to it as “Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood."

The term “Attention-Deficit Disorder” was coined in the next version of the DSM, and the condition has been called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD, with or with Hyperactivity) ever since.

In 1937, the use of stimulants to treat Attention Deficit was first described in academic literature. Today, many stimulant-based ADHD medications are a popular treatment option, along with ADHD diets, the Total Focus Program, and natural remedies for ADHD.

In my personal and clinical experience the Total Focus Program is the single most effective resource for parents and children struggling with ADHD.

ADHD affects boys at three times the rate of girls, but it may be underdiagnosed in girls and adults.

In addition, some of the most famous people in Western history. Many folks, such as Leonard Da Vinci and Ben Franklin, are suspected to have ADD/ADHD due to their prolific and varied achievements. Modern figures such as Bill Gates and Robin Williams have known diagnoses of ADD. (See list of famous people with ADHD).

As evidence of how far we have evolved from since referring to ADD/ADHD as “mental derangement”, it is important to note that many folks with this condition consider it a gift, not a detriment.

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