Keith Conners

1933 - 2017

Dr. Carmen Keith Conners

1933 - 2017

Durham

For over 50 years, Dr. Keith Conners has been recognized not only for his commitment as a researcher but for his enthusiasm as an educator, clinician, mentor and advocate. His pursuit to attain a better understanding of ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder) paved the way for helping countless individuals struggling with this disorder; as such he was often fondly referred to as "the father of ADHD".

In the early 1960's, Keith collaborated with his mentor, renowned child psychiatrist, Dr. Leon Eisenberg, when what we now call ADHD began to take shape. As a young child psychologist at Johns Hopkins, Keith worked along side Dr. Eisenberg to analyze data from the first randomized clinical drug trial of d-amphetamine (brand name Dexedrine) ever conducted in children with severe hyperactivity and impulsivity. Soon after, he conducted the first such trial of a much newer drug, most commonly known as Ritalin and he published the distinctly positive results. Keith's captivation in the study of attention led to the development of the Conners' Scales, which became the standard rating scales used to assess children's symptoms and measure the impact of treatment.

In the 1970's, his research led him to Nepal where he studied the brainwaves of monks during meditation. In the absence of computer technology, his research objective was eventually expanded using the novel approach of utilizing submarine radars. This early research led to the development of the Conners CPT (Continuous Performance Test). Over the years he consulted on various projects, including serving as a consultant during the planning stages of a new educational television show for children that became "Sesame Street."

A chess prodigy in his home state of Utah, Keith entered the University of Chicago at age 16 with the guidance of his high school English teacher, Ms. Henderson who saw his potential (therefore resulting in Keith never receiving a high school diploma). In later years, he reflected his gratitude to the University of Chicago by establishing a scholarship for students from Utah. Keith became a Rhodes Scholar at University of Oxford, Queens College, earning First Class Honors in Philosophy, Psychology, and Physiology and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Harvard. He worked at Johns Hopkins, Harvard, amongst other universities before founding the ADHD Program at Duke University Medical Center in 1989. He championed the landmark Multimodal Treatment Study of Children with ADHD (MTA Study), which is wontedly described as the utmost comprehensive and influential study ever conducted in child psychiatry. Most recently, he founded the Journal of Attention Disorders creating a distinct scholarly research forum. Though a master of psychological theory, he remained active as a clinician and cherished his time treating countless patients and their families.

He was a voracious reader of everything from Plato, to modern novels, to poetry. No matter how many times he listened to his favorite symphonies or operas he always found new nuances making this experience feel like he was hearing it for the first time. Incredibly, this was a man who not only read Steinbeck, but also actually drank with him into the night during a chance encounter in Spain. He painted in oil and watercolor, and lived and died with perhaps the only department at Duke more important than his own, that is, the athletics department, that housed his beloved basketball team. His dedication to being a Blue Devil Basketball fan included attending home and away games. Even one time, after being hit by a car, he refused to go to the ER until the basketball game was over. Keith and Carolyn were also faithful Tampa Bay Rays fans and spent time each year at Tropicana Field or followed the Rays on away games.

Keith worked into his late 60's and when he retired, he began this new chapter of life with the same robust energy he had while working as a Professor. Keith and his wife, Dr. Carolyn Conners (Cofrancesco) enjoyed discovering new hobbies. They started a vegetable garden and learned skills for cooking and canning their harvest. They loved the outdoors and could often be found hiking with their dogs, working on their English flower garden, golfing, biking, boating at their lake house with friends, or just sitting on their back porch. In his retirement, Keith learned that travel was intended for more than just work; Keith and Carolyn began new adventures as they enjoyed traveling together stateside and internationally.



In his final years Keith had concerns about how the ADHD diagnosis in children and adults, so useful when correctly applied to the few, had become misapplied to so many. Keith discussed his concern in articles and at professional conferences. As his health declined, he allowed Alan Schwarz, a New York Times reporter, to tell his story in a book called "ADHD Nation."

As stated by Dr. Allen Frances and Dr. Bernard J. Carroll, "Keith's heart, so devoted to children's mental health throughout his remarkable life, finally gave out soon after his 84th birthday. We worked with him at Duke and both loved him. We miss him terribly, as will medicine itself."

Keith is survived by his wife, children, his twin sister, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the following people: Duke Hospital President Kevin Sowers, Dr. Tom Owens, Dr. Dennis M. Abraham, Dr. Michael A. Blazing, Dr. Patricia Gammon, Mr. Alan Schwarz, Dr. Allen Frances, Dr. Bernard J. Carroll, Dr. Magus Ohman, Dr. Julie Marshall, Dr. Ronald Halbrooks, Mrs. Carol L. Najera, Mr. Wayne McNeil, the doctors/nurses/CNAs on floors 7100 & 7300 at Duke University Hospital, the doctors/nurses/CNAs/social workers/volunteers/housekeeping/families & patients at the Hock Family Pavilion, and Orange County Schools/EC Department.

A warm thanks to Dr. Allen Frances, Dr. Bernard J. Carroll, Mr. Alan Schwarz, Dr. Patricia Gammon, and Mrs. Carol L. Najera whose coauthorship, kind words, and fond memories enriched this tribute.

There will be a funeral in Utah followed by a memorial service in North Carolina at a later date

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations are made to the Duke Heart Center in Keith's name. You may mail a check made out to Duke University (Duke Heart Center, Attn: Ms. Blue Dean, 710 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701), by phone 919-385-3144, or online at Duke https://www.gifts.duke.edu/ . If making a gift online, please select Duke Heart Center and note your gift is in memory of Keith.

The Conners family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences may be submitted at www.hallwynne.com, select obituaries.