Einstein, Mozart, and More: Not Really ADDers?

A scientist claims labeling historical figures as having ADHD is a misrepresentation.

Tuesday June 2nd - 10:37am

Although we often name historical figures with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Canadian researcher Matthew Smith disputes the common belief that hyperactivity, as a disorder, has always existed.

In a paper presented at the Congress for the Humanities and Social Sciences, Smith’s studies conclude that until the 1950s, hyperactive behavior was not considered a disorder. Social, cultural, political and economic changes caused the shift in thought to ADHD as a medical condition.

Refocusing the history of hyperactive behavior and considering an ADHD diagnosis as a recent development can help patients and parents better understand it and decide the best ways to address the behavior, he says.

1 Comments:

Posted by iwrite - Jul 1 2009 @ 11:03 AM
Culteral shift caused advent of medical diagnosis "ADHD"
While it may have caused the defining of the condition and an admitted over diagnosing of it, I disagree that ADHD did not exist before the 1950's. It is a matter of brain chemistry. I imagine it was just much easier to cope when not being constrained as in today's traditional classrooms, especially since so many school systems are limiting and even doing away with physical exercise and recess due to time and budget constraints. So, while the diagnosis may not have existed, the condition surely did. ADHD is not a bad thing. It just is. High levels of creativity and intelligence are associated with the condition. I even read a study once where there was an exceptionally high correlation between ADHD and giftedness. I'm no expert, but I am the mother of a child who has ADHD and is gifted. I also have the condition. Current thought, as I understand it, is that there is definitely a genetic component. I know I went undiagnosed as a child. Bottom line, I understand the logic behind this paper, but I just disagree with some of it.

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