The History of ADHD

By: Julian Tanny and Joseph Grant

Entry #1 - Modern Times (1930s to 1970s): Major Movements

1936 - Benzedrine, the first drug approved by the FDA, is introduced.

1937 - Scientists discovered that stimulants can help control symptoms of
ADHD.
1940 - Symptoms of ADHD are blamed on minimal brain damage.
1952 - The first Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders was
published. ADHD was not included.
1955 - Ritalin, which is a stimulant that helps control symptoms of ADHD,
was approved by the FDA.
1968 - Hyperkinetic reaction of childhood, a disorder similar to ADHD
appeared in the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders but not
ADHD.
Entries #2&3 - Modern Times (1980s to 2000s): Major legislation
1980 - The third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders is
released. Hyperkinetic Impulse Disorder is changed to ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).

1987 - A revised version of the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of
Mental Disorders is released. The name is changed from the hyperactivity distinction
and renamed to, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD. The three symptoms
inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are combined into a single type with no
subtypes of the disorder.

1996 - Adderall, a drug to treat ADHD symptoms, is approved by the FDA with more
drugs soon to come.

2000 - The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistic Manual of Mental Disorders is
released categorizing ADHD into three subtypes, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive,
predominantly inattentive, and combined type ADHD. These types are still used today
for diagnoses.
Entry #4 - National and International Perspectives

There is still immense amounts of research being done on ADHD today.

In our society today, there are many people that believe that ADHD isnt a real
disorder. Although studies show that it is, many people still believe this.

Over the last few decades, a very active research community has demonstrated
that ADHD is a highly heritable disorder and has started to identify the specific
genetic and environmental risks that may be involved.
Entry 5 - Parent Movement
Parent involvement with their children living with ADHD is key to helping their child
be successful.

Parent involvement should change as the child grows up.

When the child is young it is important for the parent to give direct orders and explain what's right
and wrong. Parents should also be in communication with their children's teachers and monitor the
child's behavior.

When the child becomes a teenager it is still important for the parent to attend parent meetings and
be in communication with teacher. Also, for the child receive consequences for their mistakes
although it can be tough to do. If the parent orders around the teen too much they can rebel but if
they don't set limitations the teen can be persuaded the wrong way.

Its is also important for the parent to know what medication their child is on to help them with ADHD.
Entry 6 - Advocacy Movement
* Self advocacy is very important for individuals with ADHD, and looks different at certain
ages in life. *

Elementary- Children should be encouraged to seek out the teacher on smaller issues they have such as the need for
help in math. The parent should give the teacher a heads up that their child will be seeking help.

Middle School- The student should also attend their IEP meetings and actively email and be in communication with
people on what they may need.

High School- At a high school level, students should be actively involved in their IEP because these years are most
crucial. They may benefit from guidance counselors, coaches, or mentors. They should also start practicing communication
with adults and at an adult level.

College- Students must contact their disability resource center and be able to effectively communicate with their
professors on their own. They should seek out help because the student is no longer a minor. It will be up to them to
recognize their needs to be most successful. If they learn what their learning style is they can benefit from that.
Entry 7 - Important and/or Figures with the Disability: Their Contributions to
the Disability

Robin Williams, Sylvester Stallone, Abraham Lincoln, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein are well known individuals who
have been known for being diagnosed with ADHD and still being quite successful.

-Robin Williams wrote a book about himself and included a whole chapter about handling ADHD. He also used his
characteristics to make people laugh through comedy.

These people are and were able to show that the stereotypes of individuals with ADHD are not able to be successful
because theyre too hyper, cant focus, or reckless is not true. They can be hope for other individuals who feel that they are
burdens to society or they are struggling with their problems.

Individuals with ADHD can look up to these people and see that they too can be successful if they work at their disability
and don't let it control their life.

The individuals listed above and many others continue to contribute to the disability by showing ways to overcome it. Many
famous people present themselves as if they dont live with ADHD to inspire others that are living with the disorder.
Websites Used
http://addadhdadvances.com/ADHDparenting/category/adhd/

http://myattentioncoach.com/adhd/self-advocacy-helps-with-adhd/

http://www.attentiondeficit-add-adhd.com/famous-people-with-adhd.htm

http://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/history#overview1

https://www.everydayhealth.com/adhd-awareness/an-adhd-timeline.aspx

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2242635/