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1902: ‘discovery’ of ADHD
The clinical description of ADHD orgininates from England. In 1902 the British paediatrician G.F. Still describes hyperactive behaviour with children for the first time. He refers to a ‘defect in moral control’ and believed that this disorder could be attributed to a medical cause.
1937: Medical treatments may help
In 1937, doctors discovered that amphetamines can reduce hyperactivity and impulsive behaviour.
1950: stimulating drugs as medicine
In the fifties, stimulating drugs, such as amphetamines, were commonly used to treat ADHD
1960: The worldwide use of stimulating drugs
It was only after the scientific researcher Stella Chess introduced the term ‘hyperactive child’ at the beginning of the sixties, that stimulating drugs were being used worldwide. Chess also believed that the syndrom had a biological cause, whereas others believed that environmental factors and nutrition lead to hyperactive behaviour.
1980: The introduction of the medical term ‘ADHD’
In 1980, the American Academy of Pediatrics classified several symptoms as the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADD Attention Deficit Disorder or, in short, ADHD. The same academy described ADHD as a disorder which causes specific behaviour problems.
2000: first drug that has effect 12 hours on end
In the year 2000, the Food and Drug Administration approves the first ADHD drug that works for 12 hours on end.
To treat ADHD, stimulating drugs, such as Ritalin are still being used. American researchers, however, have pointed out the potential risks of such medication, due to several cases of death as a result of heart complaints after an extended use of medicines alike.
Bach flower essences are a harmless and natural alternative, which has helped many people to get rid of Ritalin. |
