History of ADHD

Posted by Cascia Talbert at Friday, April 11, 2008

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Today many children are diagnosed with ADHD. It has gotten to the point where this disease becomes an excuse for bad behavior. Before I read this article I wasn't aware of how long ADHD has really been around. I found this information very interesting and Mr. Mcgee explains it well.

Cascia

History of ADHD
By Barry Mcgee

Many of us wonder amongst all the hype and publicity whether ADHD is a relatively new condition which has suddenly exploded out of all proportion. The truth is, it has been known by many names in the past, although a systematic scientific study of it is a relatively recent phenomenon which has lead to numerous reports in the press.

As way back as 1800, ADHD was described in a German book of fairy tales as 'Fidgety Phil', and described medically by Dr Alexander Crichton as "mental restlessness" in 1798 which closely matches the DSM diagnosis of ADHD. In 1922 the same cluster of behavioral abnormalities referred to as ADHD today was known as 'post-encephalitic' behavioral disorder. Benzedrine was recognized to be the first drug that could be helpful for the treatment of this condition, as it became apparent by 1937.

In the 1960's the disorder was renamed Minimal Brain Dysfunction, hyperkinesias or hyperkinetic disorder of childhood. It was only in 1980 that the American Psychological Association referred to in its manual, DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual III) as two separate conditions - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity (ADHD). At this stage, the two were thought to be separate and distinct, something which would change over the coming decades.

By 1987 the American Psychological association had renamed the condition to its present form ADHD, noting that it was a distinct condition that could profoundly affect our behaviors stemming right back to our childhoods. Recent modalities of brain scanning - PET and functional magnetic resonance, has proven beyond doubt that those with ADHD have distinct brain functioning patterns compared to normal people.

It is therefore recognized today that the condition has always existed in society, although whether its prevalence has truly increased or not in recent decades is unknown. This is because the diagnostic criteria themselves have been relatively recently defined. One of the areas which needs research in the future is exactly at what point treatment becomes necessary, as there are many borderline cases where there is relatively little dysfunction.

About The Author: Barry S. Mcgee is a pet enthusiast, a devoted husband and father. You can read more of his articles at: http://www.parenting-tips.net/

For answers to all your parenting questions, please visit: http://www.parenting-tips.net/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barry_Mcgee
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I found a bunch of cool blogs related to this disorder. Below you will find a few.

ADD Moms

ADD Student

Experiencing ADDvantages

Life with Fast Boy
The Challenges of Raising Our ADHD Son

ADHD Websites.com

ADHD Strategies

Recommended books on ADHD

Add/ADHD Behavior-Change Resource Kit: Ready-To-Use Strategies & Activities for Helping Children with Attention Deficit Disorder by Grad L. Flick, ISBN 0876281447

Adhd-Autism Connection: A Step Toward More Accurate Diagnoses and Effective Treatments by Diane Kennedy, ISBN 1578564980

Dr. Bob's Guide to Stop ADHD in 18 Days

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders

How to Reach and Teach Children with ADD/ADHD: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions

Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents by Russell A. Barkley, ISBN 1572305606
Provides a step-by-step plan for behavior management, data on diagnosis and treatment, strategies for helping children succeed at school and in social situations, and information on advances in research.