answersLogoWhite

0

This is a difficult question to answer exactly for two reasons: 1. Doctor/patient confidentiality rules mean that even if a doctor was the first to diagnose a patient with the disorder, he would not be permitted to say who it was. The patient would have to come forward him/herself, and most patients prefer to stay private. 2. ADHD has evolved, both in name and classification, since doctor's first started to notice patients with attention related symptoms. It is believed that a British doctor, Dr. George Still, was the first person to recognize and diagnose the condition in 1902. However, he did not call it ADHD, but rather a "Defect of Moral Control" disorder. To the best of my knowledge, the names of the children he described in his papers were not released.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

BlakeBlake
As your older brother, I've been where you are—maybe not exactly, but close enough.
Chat with Blake
EzraEzra
Faith is not about having all the answers, but learning to ask the right questions.
Chat with Ezra
RossRoss
Every question is just a happy little opportunity.
Chat with Ross
More answers

ADHD was defined in 1902, although the disorder first appeared as early as 1798. ADHD was originally called a "defect of moral control" but it's founder, Dr. Still, knew the disorder was a medical problem, not a spiritual disorder.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago
User Avatar

The symptoms of 'hyper activity'were known for quite some time and included in DSM II, but as ADHD is as only intorduced in the DSM-IIIR in 1987.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
User Avatar

1845

I have not heard of the date above, but I know that in the early 1900's it first (according to my resource) appeared in journal articles under the name of 'hyperkinetic disorder'

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago
User Avatar

A psychologist.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: When was ADHD first described?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp