Adhd Guide

In the year 493 BC, a well-known physical-scientist Hippocrates had described one of his patients as showing a generally restlessness about his countenance and mannerisms. The question, "What is ADHD?" has its roots, therefore, even in the pages of history. Much later, in King Henry VIII, Shakespeare had made a reference to the "malady of attention". Could these be the early references to this behavioral disorder?

Much later, in the year 1845, a German physician, Dr. Heinrich Hoffmann, in order to read to his 3-year-old restless son during bedtime, had written the now-famous poem called "The Story of Fidgety Philip".

The German physician was only trying to handle the age-old problem of restlessness in toddlers. Since, then numerous studies have been done by scientists from all over the world. However, it was in 1902, that the world was shaken by the discoveries of a brilliant physician. His name was Sir George Frederick Still.

Dr. Still had, for the first time, put forth his findings that the disorder was in fact a result of a "genetic dysfunction" and not a consequence of "poor child rearing". His findings had come to light due to the publishing of his lectures given by him to the Royal College of Physicians in England. Since then loads and loads of research has been done to solve this puzzle. The name, however, came much later, probably by the end of the last century.

We all have suffered from inattention and restlessness some time or the other in life. But a child suffering from ADHD will show inattention, impulsiveness and hyperactivity to such an extremity that it would hamper his normal growth as a well-informed and a healthy individual.

The child would find it extremely difficult to sit at one place. He would always be on the go. His attention span would be extremely limited and small. Loosing important articles would be his daily routine, especially those which would be important for his daily educational and developmental activities. The child would also end up having strained relations with his peers due to his restlessness, and impulsivity.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has defined 3 distinct types of ADHD infliction. A child could be either inattentive, or impulsive/hyperactive, or both together. The first two types most of the times go unnoticed since the symptoms are mild. However, the last type of ADHD is much more severe and is generally noticed by either the teacher or the parents.

However, for an effective diagnosis, these symptoms should severely impair the child's interactions in at least 2 out of the home, schoolroom, playground, community or the social settings environment of the child's life.

Therefore, the answer to the age-old question of, "What is ADHD?" is that it is the most common behavioral disorder inflicting about 10 percent of the child population in America. The disorder can be rectified with proper medications, appropriate psychotherapy and even a change in diet and mind-set of the parents.

If you'd like to open a door to a unique point of view check out a book by Dr. Edward Hallowell; CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap! Strategies for Handling Your Fast-Paced Life.