Who Discovered ADHD
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is a developmental disorder that causes attention problems and hyperactivity. But who discovered ADHD? This post will answer that question and then tell you some interesting facts about ADHD.
Who Discovered ADHD?
Doctors have long recognized hyperactivity, especially in children. Sir Alexander Crichton described ‘mental restlessness’ in a his book published in 1798. However, Sir George Frederick Still is generally credited with the discovery of ADHD- although the definitions have changed in the last 50 years. Dr Still studied 43 children and described the symptoms of what we now call ADHD. He thought that the symptoms may be caused by something hereditary or by brain damage.
Interesting Facts About ADHD
- ADHD is more common in boys than girls.
- Genetics is a factor in about 75% of cases of ADHD. Other studies have shown that children who eat certain artificial food colors are more likely to get ADHD.
- Some studies have found that medications are no more effective than behavioral management.
- About 30-50% of children who have ADHD will have the disease in adulthood.
- Strangely, a study in 2009 showed that 8% of players in Major League Baseball had ADHD.
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