There is a lot of skepticism about ADHD (almost always among those that don’t have it). There is both skepticism that it is being over-diagnosed, or that it’s a modern illness that drug companies have created.
The truth is that there is historical evidence of what we now refer to as ADHD as far back as 93 BC. The Greek physician and scientist Hippocrates described a condition featuring ‘quickened responses to sensory experience, but also less tenaciousness because the soul moves on quickly to the next impression’.
In his book An Inquiry into the Nature and Origin of Mental Derangement which he wrote in 1798, Sir Alexander Crichton refers to hyperactivity as “mental restlessness”.
In 1902 the British doctor (whose name is ironically) Dr. Still, made reference to cases of impulsiveness.
Jacqueline, I have been getting your newsletters nearly 2 years now and I really love it. Thanks so much. The combination of practical information and your positive attitude are so helpful to me. 
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Hi Jacqui,
Thanks for this historical perspective. It was interesting! I also sometimes wonder if a higher percentage of us might experience ADHD characteristics because we are so much more subjected to constant external stimulation (TV, internet, Blackberries, Facebook and Twitter) than people were before in history.
Bonnie