History and Medication Timeline of ADHD

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects both children and adults, although it is typically diagnosed during childhood.

History of ADHD

• Late 18th Century: The earliest references to an ADHD-like disorder appear in textbooks published by Melchior Adam Weikard and Sir Alexander Crichton.

• Early 20th Century: Sir George Frederick Still first describes children with ADHD symptoms in 1902, referring to them as having an "abnormal defect of moral control." Alfred F. Tredgold describes "high-grade feeble-minded" children with ADHD-like behavior in 1908.

• 1937: Charles Bradley publishes a study describing the use of Benzedrine (racemic amphetamine) in children with behavior problems. He accidentally discovers the benefits of Benzedrine in improving behavior and school performance.

• 1952: The first edition of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" (DSM) is published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) but does not include an ADHD-like disorder.

• 1956: Herbert Freed and Charles Peifer study the use of Thorazine (chlorpromazine) on "hyperkinetic emotionally disturbed children."

• 1957: The term "hyperkinetic impulse disorder" is first used to describe children with ADHD symptoms.

• 1963: C. Keith Conners publishes a study on the effects of Ritalin (methylphenidate) in "emotionally disturbed children."

• 1968: The second edition of the DSM (DSM-II) includes the disorders of hyperkinetic reaction of childhood or adolescence and organic brain syndrome.

• 1970: The Washington Post publishes a story reporting that 5% to 10% of school children in Omaha, Nebraska were receiving Ritalin or Dexedrine to control their behavior, sparking controversy around the diagnosis of ADHD and the use of stimulants.

• 1980: The third edition of the DSM (DSM-III) includes attention deficit disorder for the first time, with subtypes of ADD with hyperactivity, ADD without hyperactivity, and ADD residual type.

• 1987: The DSM-III-R (revised edition) changes the name to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) but doesn't include any subtypes.

• 1994: The fourth edition of the DSM (DSM-IV-TR) describes three types of ADHD: ADHD, combined type; ADHD, predominantly inattentive type; and ADHD, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type.

• 2013: The publication of the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, Fifth Edition" (DSM-5) changes the age of ADHD onset criterion by raising the age of the onset of symptoms and eliminating the requirement that the symptoms cause impairment.

Timeline of ADHD Medications

• 1937: Benzedrine (racemic amphetamine)

• 1943: Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride)

• 1955: Ritalin (methylphenidate)

• 1960: Adderall (mixed amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts)

• 1975: Cylert (pemoline)

• 1976: Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine), Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)

• 1982: Ritalin SR

• 1999: Metadate ER (methylphenidate)

• 2000: Concerta (methylphenidate), Methylin ER (methylphenidate)

• 2001: Metadate CD (methylphenidate), Focalin (dexmethylphenidate), Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts)

• 2002: Ritalin LA, Methylin (methylphenidate) oral solution and chewable tablet, Strattera (atomoxetine)

• 2005: Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)

• 2006: Daytrana (methylphenidate patch)

• 2007: Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate)

• 2008: Procentra (liquid dextroamphetamine)

• 2009: Intuniv (guanfacine hydrochloride)

• 2010: Kapvay (clonidine hydrochloride)

• 2012: Quillivant XR (liquid methylphenidate)

• 2015: Dyanavel XR (amphetamine extended-release oral suspension)

• 2016: Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine oral disintegrating tablet), Quillichew ER (chewable methylphenidate)

• 2017: Mydayis (Triple-Bead MixedAmphetamine Salts), Cotempla XR-ODT (methylphenidate extended-release orally disintegrating tablets)

• 2019: Jornay PM (methylphenidate), Adhansia XR (methylphenidate)

• 2021: Azstarys (serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate), Qelbree (viloxazine)

• 2022: Qelbree (viloxazine extended-release capsules)

Conclusion

The understanding of ADHD and its treatment has evolved over time. Today, there are various medications available to manage ADHD symptoms, but research continues to explore new treatments and a deeper understanding of the condition.