During the decade of the sixties the diagnosis for these symptoms changed twice to "Minimal Brain Dysfunction and then to "Hyperkinetic Disorder of Childhood."
By 1980 the American Psychiatric Association created the diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder with or without hyperactivity. I believe the separate diagnoses of ADD and ADHD still confuse many people today.
It was 1987 when the American Psychiatric Association ditched the ADD diagnosis and just called this disorder ADHD as we know it today. By this time ADHD was considered a medical diagnosis which could cause behavioral issues.
In addition to the name changes, the treatment for ADHD symptoms has greatly evolved over time as well. Once described as a moral defect, the most recommended strategy given to parents was to punish the child. But over time medication was postulated as a possible treatment for the symptoms of this disorder. Ritalin was first introduced in 1956 as a way to reduce hyperactive behavior in children. Then by 1996 the medication called Adderall gained FDA approval for the treatment of ADHD. This was followed by Concerta in 1999, Focalin in 2001, and Strattera in 2002.
Other medications soon were added to the list to help treat the symptoms of ADHD including Vyvanse and Daytrana. You can read up on the full list of ADHD medications here.
Today the research shows that the best methods to combat the symptoms of ADHD are usually a combination of both behavior management and medication. Awareness and education about ADHD continues to grow each year. Back in 1998 The American Medical Association called ADHD "one of the best-researched disorders in medicine."
I hope you have enjoyed our little journey through time. Now it is your turn. If you have ADHD as an adult, was it ever called something else when you were a child? What treatments were provided for you? Do you feel that the research, greater awareness, and education about ADHD have done well to decrease any stigma attached to the label? Do share your opinions and insights. We want to hear from you!
*** If you like my writings you can also find me on My Depression Connection and Friends of Quinn.
