The document summarizes information about ADHD, including its history, diagnosis rates, and common treatments and controversies. It was first described in 1798 as mental restlessness. The NHS defines it as difficulty maintaining attention, impulse control and hyperactivity. In the US, 9% of school-aged children are diagnosed and medicated, compared to less than 0.5% in France. Common medications are methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dexamphetamine, which are psycho stimulants similar to cocaine and speed. Alternative therapies include physical activity to improve neural networks, attention, and reduce anxiety.

1. ADHD
By Hannah Rosling

2. ADHD
 The NHS describes ADHD as a disorder that people
‘have’, with various levels of ‘impairment’ and different
subtypes. Sufferers exhibit a wide-range of symptoms, but
the most common issues are in maintaining
attention, acting without thinking and controlling speech
and physical activity – possibly resulting in
aggressive, restless or fidgety behaviour.

3. First Recognised:
 1798 Sir Alexander Crichton: In his book "An Inquiry into
the Nature and Origin of Mental Derangement" described
mental restlessness (inattention); He observed that
persons can show this at an early age, they are incapable
of staying on one subject, but that it should not render
them totally incapable of instruction and saw it can
diminish with age. He also gave this a name: They say
they have the "fidgets" which has become a permanent
part of ADHD history.

4. Is ADHD Real?
 In the United States, at least 9% of school-aged children
have been diagnosed with ADHD, and are taking
pharmaceutical medications.
 56% Of American children are prescribed medication on
the first Dr’s visit.
 In France, the percentage of kids diagnosed and
medicated for ADHD is less than .5%.

5. Methylphenidate and Dexamphetamine
are the most popular psycho stimulant
treatments for ADHD:
 Methylphenidate (Brand Name: Ritalin, Concerta)
 Methylphenidate is a psycho stimulant drug that shares
some structural and pharmacological properties to
cocaine, and is licensed in the UK for the treatment of
ADHD for ages 6 and over.

6. Dexamphetamine
(Brand Name: Dexedrine, Adderall)
 Dexamphetamine is part of the amphetamine molecule
(Speed). The band Dexy’s Midnight Runners was named
after Dexedrine, a popular recreational drug at the time
known as ‘Dexy’.

7. To medicate or not?
 Firestone et. al. (1998), found preschool children who
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were treated with methylphenidate experienced greater
social dampening effects when compared to a placebo
group.
Such side effects included:
“Talks less with others” – increased from 21% to 50%
“Uninterested in others” – increased from 31% - 75%
“Sad/Unhappy” – increased from 47% - 84%

8. Alternative Therapy:
 Physical activity, like martial arts, strengthens neural
networks in the brain, and enables ADHD children to
practice self-control, whilst promoting self-confidence to
reduces anxiety. Movement helps them develop
coordination while building strength.
 “Improving postural control and balance can improve
some of the symptoms of poor attention.” (GoddardBlythe 2013)