Who says ADD or ADHD is a 'new fad' diagnoses?
Taken from the book "Understanding ADHD by Dr Christopher Green" and in addition from "ADHD The Facts" by Mark Selikowitz
1930's Brain damage causes ADHD behaviours
1937 Stimulant medication first used
1950's & 1960's Now believed to be a brain dysfunction, 'Minimal Brain Dysfunction' Psychoanalytical child psychiatrists see ADHD in terms of parent and environment problem (for some this attitude continued until the 1990's) The term 'Hyperkinetic impulse disorder' is popular
1957 Methylphenidate (Ritalin) introduced
1960-70 The 'Hyperactive Child Syndrome' becomes popular. Ritalin widely used and many research papers on stimulants
1970-75 Inaccurate media claims raise concerns with medication, Feingold Diet becomes popular
1975-80 Medication regains considerable popularity
1980 American Psychiatric Association uses term 'Attention Deficit Disorder' (DSM-III)
1987 American Psychiatric Association uses term 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder' (DSM-IIIR). Antimedication campaign misleads many parents and professionals.
1990 Positron Emission Tomography (PET SCAN) shows significant difference in function between the ADHD brain and the non ADHD brain
1994 American Psychiatric Association redefines 'Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder' DSM - IV
1997 ADHD seen as an interplay of FOUR factors: Attention and learning impulse, poorly controlled behaviours, the presence or absence of comorbid conditions, nurture or hostility in the child's environment.
2002 The International Consensus Statement was issued with US practice, ussued by over 90 of the world's leading scientists, researchers, and clinicians treating ADHD from 12 countries including the USA and the UK.
Last Modified May 24 2007