ADHD = Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Bibliogr. p. 225-239. Glossaire

Through the history of hyperactivity, now known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, the history of medical science itself was being analyzed. This beautifully illustrated book written by Dr. Éric Konofal shows us how, step by step, the numerous intellectual trial and errors made it possible to understand attention and its disorder which can affect up to 5% of the population. Only by the late 19th century has psychology been separated from philosophy, pediatrics become a science in and of itself and has child education reached the most important points of society. Then, after a whole 20th century which was dedicated to the belief of the effects of external influences, whether social or psychological, the innate attention disorders were fully accepted in the English-speaking countries as well as somewhat in France. Yet, in all periods, absentminded, “degenerated”, “unstable”, “hyperactive”, “nervous” children and "touche-à-tout" (touching everything) could be seen during observations, clinical cases or Epinal prints. All means have been attempted to “calm them down”, iron, cola, etc. not to mention coca wine; the molecules currently used with high success rates are among the oldest ones in the pharmacopeia. Now that everyone is required to have a chance to have a brilliant formation and a flawless career, there is no doubt that after having 7.000 years of trial and error the demand for a treatment that could improve someone's attention has only begun... Dr. Éric Konofal (MD, PHD) is a specialist in sleep and ADHD as well as their treatments and the author of many scientific reviews. He has proven the role that iron deficiency can have in some ADHD cases and has helped in the study of sleep disorders due to ADHD, the most promising method to understand its mechanisms and imagine new treatments. While being the owner of multiple patents, he is still working on new treatments. Foreword by Thomas E. Brown (PhD). éditeur