The syndrome we now call ADHD has been described in the medical literature since 1775.
The concept of ADHD has a long history, starting with clinical reports from European countries. The clinical significance of the signs and symptoms of the disorder has been recognised for over two centuries. Although these early reports did not use the term “ADHD”, they described children who showed the symptoms and impairments we now recognise as ADHD. Here are highlights from the early history of ADHD:
Sources:
- International Consensus Statement on ADHD
- Image: Cut out of head shape with brain & puzzle pieces on orange background, copy space by AtlasStudio from Noun Project (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Further Reading:
- Chapter 1: Development of The Concept in The Oxford Handbook of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Professor Eric Taylor, 2018
- Chapter 1: History of ADHD in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment, Professor Russell Barkley, 2014