Is ADHD a sign/symptom of modern society? Listening to, or reading media items, you might begin to think it was. The first documented case of what we now call attention deficit hyperactivity disorder was diagnosed over 100 years ago.
A Dr Hoffman wrote a poem in 1845 called Fidgety Philip for his son. If read today that poem describes the behaviour most parents would relate to a “typical” ADHD child.
Dr Stills, a Paediatrician based in London used the label “Defect of Moral Control” to describe the behaviour of hyperactive children in 1902.
Shortly before the Second World War, physicians started treating children with the symptoms of ADHD with amphetamines. Amphetamines were thought to reduce the symptoms of impulsiveness and hyperactivity commonly found with this condition.
The American Psychiatric Association first published papers, the DSM (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in the 1950’s. They were republished in 1968 when a condition resembling ADHD was first mentioned. This condition was named Attention Deficit Disorder in the revised 1980 edition. In the 1987 edition, it was renamed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The definition was changed again in the fourth and most recent edition published in 1994.
Can you imagine how much money has been spent on investigating this condition? In the period of 100 years from Dr Still’s observations, ADHD has been described or blamed on:
1. Behaviour that was biological in nature
2. Linked to brain damage
3. Then it was all down to the food, the environment and the parenting.
It would now appear that attention deficit disorder may be linked to all three i.e. it is biological in nature (possibly genetic). There is a difference in the brain activity of a child diagnosed with ADHD and others (although it is not seen as brain damage). Finally, there is a very vocal school of thought that blames food additives and the environment. I, for one, believe that my son’s diet contributed to his behaviour problems – I blame the 100% pure apple juice!
Thankfully now modern society has begun to realise that ADHD, ADD or whatever the next new name will be is a complex condition which is very difficult to diagnose – well at least diagnose correctly. There is so much rumour, controversy and downright speculation regarding this condition that parents and medical professionals can find it difficult to get proper assistance and information.
ADHD is not a symptom of modern society but an ongoing medical condition which needs further help and resources to find and promote a definitive diagnosis procedure, treatment and ultimately a cure.

For more information please visit our site at http://www.ourexceptionalkids.com