By: Cindy North, PCC, CALC, CPQC
Published: October 20, 2024
ADHD- What’s in the name? Those who live with an ADHD brain style know their life experience is real, and it’s been termed Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It’s not a new experience.
ADHD-like symptoms can be traced back to the 1700s, particularly in descriptions of individuals who exhibited hyperactive or inattentive behaviors. In 1775, Scottish physician Sir Alexander Crichton published a work that discussed “mental restlessness” and behaviors like what we now recognize as ADHD. However, it wasn’t until the 20th century that these symptoms were more formally classified and understood as a disorder.
Did you know ADHD has had many names over the most recent course of human labeling?
- Minimal Brain Dysfunction (MBD) – 1940s to 1970s
- Hyperkinetic Reaction of Childhood – 1960s
- Hyperactive Child Syndrome – 1970s
- Childhood Hyperactivity – 1970s
- Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) – 1980 (in the DSM-III)
- Conduct Disorder (in some contexts) – 1980s
- Behavioral Disorder – 1980s
- Learning Disability (in some contexts) – 1980s
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – 1987 (in the DSM-IIIR)
- Neurodevelopmental Disorder – 2013 (in the DSM-5)
These terms reflect the shifting understanding of the condition over the decades. No wonder there is stigma. Some of these labels are rather insulting and demeaning. I much prefer to extinguish the label of ADHD being a disorder. This brain difference is a condition that requires understanding within yourself and others. No two brains are equal. ADHD does make living within society’s current standards more difficult. Thank goodness we are evolving and gaining awareness around the language used to characterize someone.
There is a movement to re-brand ADHD with thought leaders like Drs. Hallowell and Ratey referring to ADHD as Variable Attention Stimulus Trait (VAST) in their book, ADHD 2.0. Others have offered names such as Variable Attention Trait Disorder, Neuro-Overload Disorder, and Chronic Overwhelm Disorder. What would you call your brand of ADHD?
Living with ADHD involves an array of ups and downs, alignments, and mishaps. It takes presence to discover all that is at play. I applaud you for wanting to learn about ADHD. Be kind to yourself. What do you need to accept and convert in your difference or that of a loved one, co-worker, or friend? How we understand the brain is evolving.
Interested to read more about what people are thinking about ADHD and it’s labels?
Why ADHD Should Be Renamed | Psychology Today
ADHD Name Alternatives: Dave, ADD, VAST, Zoomies, Racecar Brain (additudemag.com)
If being empowered within your brain-wiring is something you want more of hit reply and share what you long to accept or convert within yourself. Lifting people to their greatness energizes me.
