Part 1: ADHD Myth-Busting Series | Is it Just a "Modern" Fad?
Welcome to Part 1 of our deep-dive series at Well Workshop Psychological Services. We’re kicking things off by tackling the idea that ADHD is a "new" or "trendy" diagnosis caused by smartphones and fast-paced modern living.
The Myth: ADHD was invented recently to pathologize normal childhood behavior or is just a result of "too much screen time."
The Truth: ADHD has a medical history spanning over 250 years.
1775: German physician Melchior Adam Weikard published the first textbook description of the symptoms we now call ADHD.
1798: Alexander Crichton described "mental restlessness" in a medical textbook.
1902: George Still provided the first description in a scientific journal, noting significant impairments in attention and regulation.
1937: Charles Bradley discovered that amphetamine medications effectively reduced ADHD symptoms.
Why does it feel like there is a "rise" in ADHD?
Stable Prevalence: Research shows the worldwide prevalence has remained stable at approximately 5.9% of youth and 2.5% of adults for decades.
Better Recognition: The increase in diagnoses reflects changes in administrative and clinical practices, meaning we are simply better at identifying people who previously suffered in silence.
Access to Care: Improved screening tools and increased clinical recognition by healthcare providers have made support more accessible.
The Takeaway:
ADHD is a universal neurodevelopmental reality, not a social media trend.
It has been found in studies across every continent, including Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.
Environmental factors like sugar or screens are not the cause; ADHD is polygenic, meaning it’s driven by many genetic variants.
STAY TUNED:
Understanding that ADHD is a legitimate, historical medical reality is the first step toward reducing stigma. In our next post, we’ll discuss why this isn't just a "childhood phase" and whether people actually "outgrow" it.
References: Faraone, S. V., Banaschewski, T., Coghill, D., Zheng, Y., Biederman, J., Bellgrove, M. A., ... & Wang, Y. (2021). The World Federation of ADHD International Consensus Statement: 208 Evidence-based conclusions about the disorder. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 128, 789-818.