The History of ADHD & OCD
Introduction
Ever feel like your brain operates on 37 open tabs, half of them playing music you can't locate? Or maybe you’ve turned the car around three times to check if the stove is off—only to realize you were not even cooking. If so, congratulations! You might be part of the long, complex history of ADHD and OCD.
Although these conditions are well-studied today, they were historically misunderstood, dismissed, or mis-attributed to moral failings, religious devotion, or supernatural forces. ADHD was often seen as simple misbehavior, while OCD was frequently mistaken for extreme piety or possession. Examining historical perceptions of ADHD and OCD reveals not only how far research has come, but also how social and cultural interpretations have influenced their diagnoses and treatments.
Ancient and Medieval References
ADHD-like Symptoms
Long before formal medical diagnoses, historical texts described behaviors akin to ADHD. Ancient Chinese medical literature, particularly The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (circa 300 BCE), references children with excessive energy and difficulty concentrating, characteristics consistent with modern ADHD descriptions.1
The first Western description resembling ADHD appears in 1775 when German physician Melchior Adam Weikard published a medical textbook detailing symptoms such as inattentiveness, impulsivity, and restlessness.2 His observations laid the groundwork for later research into attention disorders.
OCD in Religious and Cultural Contexts
In medieval Europe, obsessive-compulsive behaviors often manifested through religious scrupulosity, a condition in which individuals experienced excessive moral concerns. This led to repeated confessions, prayers, and rituals—behaviors later recognized as hallmarks of OCD.3 Clergy members frequently viewed these actions as indicators of strong devotion, though some suspected demonic influence.
Similarly, repetitive hand-washing, checking behaviors, and compulsive thoughts were sometimes interpreted as signs of possession. Religious exorcisms were common "treatments," further demonstrating how cultural and religious paradigms shaped early understandings of OCD.4.
The Development of Diagnostic Criteria
The Evolution of ADHD
18th Century:
Weikard’s 1775 observations on inattention and hyperactivity were largely ignored.
20th Century:
In 1902, British pediatrician Sir George Still described children with pronounced attention and impulse-control problems, attributing them to “defective moral control” rather than neurological causes.5
By the 1950s and 1960s, these symptoms were labeled under “Minimal Brain Dysfunction,” an early but vague attempt to define the disorder.6
The term ADHD became official in 1980 when the DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) recognized it as a distinct condition.7
The Evolution of OCD
14th–16th Century:
Compulsive behaviors were frequently interpreted as excessive religious zeal or demonic possession.8
19th Century:
French psychiatrist Jean-Étienne Dominique Esquirol distinguished obsessive thoughts from insanity, marking an important step in understanding OCD.9
Pierre Janet further refined OCD research, though treatments remained rudimentary, including ice baths and “moral therapy.”10
Modern Day:
The DSM-III (1980) officially recognized OCD as a disorder.11
The DSM-5 (2013) categorized OCD separately under “Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders.” 12
Influential Figures in Research and Awareness
ADHD Research Pioneers
Sir George Still (1902): First to systematically describe ADHD behaviors, albeit through a moralistic lens.13
Dr. Virginia Douglas (1970s): Redefined ADHD as more than just hyperactivity, introducing attention deficits as a key component.14
Dr. Russell Barkley (1990s–Present): Revolutionized understanding of ADHD by emphasizing executive function deficits and emotional regulation.15
OCD Research Pioneers
Sigmund Freud (late 1800s): Linked OCD to unconscious conflicts, but his theories lacked empirical support.16
Dr. Paul Salkovskis (1980s–1990s): Helped develop modern Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD.17
Dr. Jeffrey Schwartz (1990s–Present): Advocated for mindfulness-based approaches to treating OCD.18
Cultural and Societal Perceptions Over Time
Early Stigma:
ADHD was dismissed as poor discipline, and OCD as eccentricity or neurosis.19
Hollywood’s Role:
Characters like Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory) and Deadpool (Marvel Comics) have portrayed exaggerated versions of OCD and ADHD, respectively, contributing to public awareness—albeit with inaccuracies.20
The Internet Effect:
Social media has increased awareness but also fueled misinformation and casual self-diagnoses.21
Celebrities Breaking Stigma:
Public figures like Simone Biles (ADHD) and Howie Mandel (OCD) have helped normalize discussions about these conditions.22
Advancements in Treatment Approaches
Historical Treatments
ADHD Treatments: Early interventions included strict discipline and institutionalization.23
OCD Treatments: Prior to modern therapy, sufferers endured exorcisms, ice baths, and lobotomies.24
Modern Therapies & Medications
ADHD: Stimulant medications (e.g., methylphenidate, amphetamines), non-stimulant options, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle adjustments.25
OCD: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), SSRIs, and mindfulness techniques.26
Conclusion
ADHD and OCD have long histories of misinterpretation, misdiagnosis, and mistreatment. What was once blamed on demons, moral failings, or bad parenting is now understood as neurobiological conditions. Research and public awareness continue to grow, but challenges remain. By further educating ourselves and advocating for proper treatment, we can continue to destigmatize these conditions and ensure better support for those affected.
From a romantic perspective, navigating relationships with ADHD or OCD can be both an adventure and a test of patience. ADHD might mean impulsive declarations of love, grand romantic gestures, and the occasional forgotten anniversary (not out of malice, just distraction). OCD, on the other hand, may lead to meticulous planning of date nights and an unwavering commitment to routine. Love, in this context, is a paradox—beautifully chaotic yet structured, exhilarating yet cautious.
For the cynical romantic, it’s simple: love is already an irrational condition, and adding neurodivergence just makes the story more interesting. After all, if you can love someone despite their need to rearrange the pillows five times or their tendency to get sidetracked mid-sentence, that’s real devotion. Relationships may require extra patience and understanding, but they also offer a unique depth—one where quirks become endearing, and love thrives not despite the differences, but because of them.
References
The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (300 BCE).
Weikard, M. A. (1775). Der Philosophische Arzt.
Greenberg, D. (2002). Scrupulosity: Religious OCD in History.
Rosen, G. (1968). Madness in Society.
Still, G. (1902). Goulstonian Lectures.
Barkley, R. (1997). ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control.
American Psychiatric Association (1980). DSM-III.
Esquirol, J.-E. D. (1838). Des Maladies Mentales.
Janet, P. (1903). Obsessions and Psychasthenia.
APA (2013). DSM-5.