Prior to renaming, it was known as the disorder of inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity and was usually believed to be caused by poor parenting. Cases of this disorder were found earlier too when it used to be called "Morbid Defect of Moral Control" or "Minimal Brain Dysfunction". The symptoms were first noticed in children in 1900's. The behaviors related to this disorder have been under extensively studied for more than 50 years now.

The new term coined for the disorder

Over the years as the understanding grew, the disorder was renamed based on the current scientific beliefs. The current term ADHD / ADD was coined sometime around 1980's - 90's. In today's terms, it is also known as Central Nervous System Disorder (CNS). ADD is a more commonly used term for this disorder. However, it is still considered a sub classification of ADHD.

ADHD For The Last 100 Years

1.Early research related to ADHD started in England. British pediatrician first came up with the term "Defect of Moral Control" to describe the hyperactive behavior in children in 1902.

2.Doctors came up with amphetamines as a solution to reduce the impulsive and hyperactive behaviors in year 1937.

3.Stimulant medication (using amphetamines, methylphenidate) was first used as a therapy to reduce the irregular behaviors in 1950's.

4.1960's saw the widespread use of stimulants for treatment. Although poor parenting, food additives, environmental toxins were believed to be the cause, biological cause was also considered causing the disorder.

5.American Psychiatric Association called a set of behavioral patterns with or without hyperactivity ADD and ADHD respectively in 1980.

6.In 1987, doctors included the symptoms of impulsivity, hyperactivity and inattention and ADD was renamed ADHD. Later ADD was made a sub classification of ADHD.

7.In 2000, the first ever once-daily 12-hour ADHD medication with improvements in attention and behavior was approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

8.October 2001 saw American Academy of Pediatrics publish guidelines of treatment for children for pediatricians working in primary care settings.

9.Stimulant medicine practice parameters to help doctors in treating children published in February 2002.

10.Non-stimulant medication for the treatment approved by U.S. Food and Drug Administration in November 2002.

The possible side effects of the ADHD drugs :

All stimulants have a number of side effects: The most common side effect of these therapies maybe the change in the appetite, sleeplessness and anxiousness. The younger children may loose some weight from these therapies.

Other side effects of these psycho stimulants drugs includes irritability, stomach pain, hair loss, headache, depression, hallucinations, , and lack of spontaneity.