When researchers found that providing stimulants to hyperactive children improved their behavior in school, educators, pediatricians, and drug manufacturers helped build interest in identifying and treating a new condition: Attention Deficit Disorder. Some saw it as a breakthrough in treating learning disabilities. But the implications of medicating children drew a backlash from advocates. Plus, doctors could not agree on concrete tools for identifying ADHD, prompting suspicions of over-diagnosis. And Big Pharma’s attempts to expand the market has resulted in unintended consequences.

“Backfired: Attention Deficit” is the latest season of the podcast from Prologue Projects and Audible Originals. Hosts Leon Neyfakh and Arielle Pardes explore the origins of ADHD, public reaction to its treatment, and the unforeseen outcomes of diversifying the customer base for stimulants first intended for children.

OUR SPOILER-FREE EPISODES OF "BACKFIRED: SAY NOTHING" BEGIN IN THE FINAL 11 MINUTES OF THE EPISODE.