Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Practice Test 2025 – Comprehensive All-in-One Study Guide for Exam Success!

In the 1960s, ADHD was most commonly referred to as "minimal brain dysfunction." This term was used to describe a condition that was believed to be due to subtle brain damage or dysfunction that impacted behavior, particularly in children. It was characterized by symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which were thought to stem from underlying neurological issues.

The term "minimal brain dysfunction" reflected the understanding of the time, which linked behavioral problems to potential neurological deficits, even when no overt brain injury was apparent. This perspective laid the groundwork for further research into the neurodevelopmental aspects of ADHD and contributed to the evolving definitions and classifications of the disorder in subsequent decades.

Other terms like "hyperactivity syndrome" and "childhood hyperactivity" were also used but did not become the predominant label during that era. The term "fidgeting disorder" is not recognized in professional literature and does not accurately depict the understanding of ADHD in that period.