Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

• ADHD

• Attention Deficit Disorder (previously)

• ADD (previously)

 

What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a complex disorder usually diagnosed in childhood when difficulties arise during play and school. It is marked by a lack of concentration, short attention span, and physical restlessness. People with ADHD commonly struggle with learning from the past and considering the consequences of actions or inaction for the future. They may also have trouble with organization, forgetfulness, and impulsivity. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is caused by multiple factors, including genetics and environmental factors.

 

ADHD is divided into three types:

• Predominant hyperactivity and impulsivity

• Predominant inattention

• And a combination of hyperactivity-impulsivity and inattention

 

Trend

In the United States, approximately 2-5% of children have ADHD

 

History

• In 1798, a Scottish doctor named Sir Alexander Crichton noticed that some people were easily distracted and unable to focus on their activities as others could. He reported that these symptoms began early in life, which is consistent with what we now call ADHD.

 

• In the early 1900s, British pediatrician Sir George Still identified ADHD as “an abnormal defect of moral control in children.” He found that some affected children could not control their behavior like a typical child would. He did note, however, that these children were still intelligent.

 

• In 1968, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) recognized ADHD as a mental disorder for the first time. It was called hyperkinetic reaction of childhood.

 

• In 1980, the APA renamed the condition attention deficit disorder (ADD) and created two variations: ADD with hyperactivity and ADD without hyperactivity.

 

• In 1987, the APA changed the name to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which combined inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity into a single type.

 

• In 1994, the APA released a fourth edition of the DSM, which listed three types of ADHD: mostly inattentive, mostly hyperactive and impulsive, and a combined type that includes all three symptoms.

 

Sources of Information

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• HealthLine

• Mayo Clinic

• National Library of Medicine

• The Guadian

 

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.