ADHD Through the Ages: From History to a Deeper Look into Symptoms

What is really is ADHD?
One of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental diseases in children is ADHD. It frequently persists into maturity and is typically first diagnosed in childhood. Children with ADHD may struggle to focus, manage impulsive behaviors (doing without considering the consequences), or be extremely active.

The majority of instances are discovered in kids under the age of 12, but occasionally it’s discovered later in childhood. Sometimes people with ADHD are diagnosed as adults because they were not diagnosed as children.

Depending on which symptoms are most prominent in the individual, there are three ways that ADHD exhibits itself:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: It is challenging for the person to arrange or accomplish a task, to pay attention to specifications, or to follow directions or interactions. The individual gets easily sidetracked or overlooks small elements of daily activities.
2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: The person is restless and struggles with impulse control. They also fidgets and talks a lot. Long periods of inactivity, such as during meals or when completing homework, are challenging. Children that are younger may continually run, jump, or climb. The person finds it challenging to follow instructions or wait for a chance. Impulsive individuals may speak suddenly, grasp objects from others, or interrupt others frequently. Impulsiveness increases the likelihood of accidents and injury for some people.
3. Combined Presentation: The individual exhibits both of the previously mentioned types of symptoms.

History behind the recognition of ADHD

Sir Alexander Crichton, a Scottish physician, observed in 1798 that certain people became easily distracted and found it difficult to concentrate on their tasks the way others could. He claimed that these signs appeared at a young age. That is in line with the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is currently recognized. Later, Sir George Frederic Still discussed mental disorders in otherwise healthy, intelligent youngsters during a number of lessons in 1902. These kids were more impulsive and struggled with self-control and paying attention. A total of fifteen cases in young boys and 5 in girls have been documented by him. This is consistent with the current understanding that men are diagnosed with ADHD more frequently than women.

ADHD and its prevalence

1. Global Prevalence: It is believed that 5% of children and adolescents globally have ADHD. The frequency in adults is typically thought to be lower, around 2–3%. It’s vital to remember that these figures can range considerably between studies and between geographical areas.
2. Regional Variations: The occurrence of ADHD differs between different geographic areas and nations. In comparison to other regions of the world, North America and Western Europe often report greater prevalence rates. However, these regional variations are also influenced by awareness, availability of healthcare, and procedures for diagnosis.

Worldwide Regional Prevalence of ADHD in Children (Nolan)

3. Gender differences: Males are more than twice as likely than females to receive an ADHD diagnosis, but females are not necessarily less prone. For a number of reasons, including some variations in symptoms and an unfair concentration on men in research, females with ADHD are probably underdiagnosed. However, as people get older, the gender gap tends to disappear, and both men and women may experience the condition.

ADHD in relation to gender (Mandriota)

Key Symptoms of ADHD

ADHD, or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in childhood but can persist into adulthood. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can impact an individual’s functioning and quality of life. The symptoms of ADHD are generally divided into two main categories: inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity.

Symptoms:

1. Inattention Symptoms:

• Difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities
• Frequent careless mistakes in schoolwork or other activities

• Trouble organizing tasks and activities
• Avoidance of tasks that require sustained mental effort
• Often losing things necessary for tasks and activities
• Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli
• Forgetfulness in daily activities

2. Hyperactivity-Impulsivity Symptoms:

• Fidgeting or tapping hands/feet, squirming in seat
• Inability to remain seated in situations where it’s expected
• Running or climbing in inappropriate situations
• Inability to engage in activities quietly
• Talking excessively
• Interrupting or intruding on others’ conversations or games
• Difficulty waiting for one’s turn
• Impulsively blurting out answers or finishing others’ sentences

For a diagnosis of ADHD, these symptoms need to be persistent and not solely a result of another medical or psychiatric condition. Additionally, they should be causing significant impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. There are three subtypes of ADHD based on the dominant symptoms:

1. Predominantly Inattentive Presentation: Symptoms of inattention are more pronounced than hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms.

2. Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation: Hyperactivity-impulsive symptoms are more pronounced than inattention symptoms.

3. Combined Presentation: Both inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity symptoms are present in significant amounts.

Acknowledgments:
This blog would not have been possible without the valuable contributions of the following individuals:

Researchers:

• Hesha Agarwal (NeuroMinds Research Director)
• Mythili Rajesh (NeuroMinds Research Analyst)

Editor:

• Livia Xavier Paiva (NeuroMinds Data Scientist)

Bibliography

Gunnerson, Tate. “A Brief History of ADHD.” WebMD, 13 July 2020, www.webmd.com/add-adhd/adhd-history.

Holland, Kimberly. “The History of ADHD: A Timeline.” Healthline, 28 Oct. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/adhd/history.

Mandriota, Morgan. “ADHD in Women Vs. Men: Does Gender Play a Role in Symptoms?” Psych Central, 6 Apr. 2022, psychcentral.com/adhd/adhd-and-gender.

Nolan, Vanderbilt Parent Swanson, Greenhill, Biederman, Biederman J, Jyoti Bhagia M. D, Sergeant J, Gillberg, Brown, Conners,. “ADHD Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges.” Ppt Download, slideplayer.com/slide/12015242.

Website, Nhs. “Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” nhs.uk, 28 July 2023, www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/#:~:text=Most%20cases%20are%20diagnosed%20when,diagnosed%20later%20as%20an%20adult.

“What Is ADHD?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/facts.html#:~:text=ADHD%20is%20one%20of%20the,)%2C%20or%20be%20overly%20active.