Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

The authors have provided a superb, up-to-date summary of ADHD in children and adults along with highly useful information on its management that will be of use to both clinical professionals and educated parents alike."Russell A. Barkley, PhD, Research Professor in Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical School and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina."Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is an often controversial diagnosis, and one that receives frequent attention in the scientific literature. The sheer magnitude of research published monthly on ADHD makes keeping current a daunting task. Rickel and Brown have provided a concise, densely packed overview of current scientific literature on ADHD that proves particularly insightful in dealing with issues of etiology, comorbidity, and treatment. For the busy clinician, I can think of no better source for rapid access to a guide for evidence-based practice than Rickel and Brown."Cecil R. Reynolds, PhD, Professor of Educational Psychology and Professor of Neuroscience, Texas A&M University"Rickel and Brown provide informed and reasoned coverage of the recent advances in understanding, assessing, and treating ADHD are discuss them with both case studies and supportive evidence. A balanced and informed document, the book acknowledging the benefits and risks associated with medications as well as the limitations and benefits of psychological treatments. Designed to be compact and user-friendly, the book achieves its goal."Philip C. Kendall, PhD, ABPP, Professor of Psychology and Director, Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic, Temple University"This book is an essential and accessible resource for clinicians and students who seek to assess and diagnose children and adults with ADHD in a manner that is both evidence-based and state-of-the-art. The authors also successfully achieve the difficult goals of producing a volume that is at the same time brief and yet provides comprehensive coverage of the most relevant issues. The Rickel and Brown text provides thorough coverage of diagnosis and treatment supported by two earlier chapters that provide the reader with a deep understanding of the disorder, it core symptoms, suspected etiologies, and the features that distinguish it from other common disorders of childhood. An important consequence of this structure is that readers not only understand "what" and "how" to conduct a thorough case conceptualization but, more importantly, they understand "why" they are doing it because of the theoretical and scientific knowledge gained in the early chapters. Thus, I return to my original conclusion that "Attention-Deficit/Hyperacitivity Disorder in Children and Adults" will fully support readers in their efforts to engage in the most sophisticated practices available for serving these patients."Randy W. Kamphaus, Professor and Head of Department of Educational Psychology and Instructional Technology, University of Georgia"Therapeutic Area: This text focuses on the diagnosis and treatmentof attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children andadults.Format: This softcover, thin book is organized into a preface, 4 chapters,cases, recommended further readings, references, and an appendix with tools for the reader.Audience: This is one book in the series Advances in Psychotherapy--Evidence-Based Practice, which is geared toward therapists. Thebook would also provide a basic review of ADHD for students in theprofession.Purpose: The objective of the series is "to provide therapists withpractical, evidence-based treatment guidance." This is a general "howto" resource for clinicians and students that nicely explains diagnosis and treatment of ADHD.Content: The book is well organized into 4 chapters ("Description ofADHD," "Theories and Models of ADHD," "Diagnosis and TreatmentIndications," and "Treatment") and subchapters. Each chapter is well referenced and provides general information that meets the objective of the book. Key points are highlighted in the margins. Detailed drug information is lacking, but the book appropriately focuses on psychotherapy treatment options for ADHD. Overall, the text is easy to read, and brief boxed summaries review each chapter. Three cases detail patient symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, patient outcomes, and overall explanations. Further reading on the disease state and numerous references are listed. Lastly, a list of ADHD organizations and contact information for support groups are also provided.Usability: A large list of appropriate up-to-date references is provided. The cost of the text seems reasonable for the information provided. Highlights: This text provides general information for the therapist in a concise, easy-to-read format and focuses on the appropriate areas of the disease for practical application by the healthcare professional and student.Limitations: The intended audience of the book is limited to studentsand therapists, as the depth of the material may not be enough for other healthcare practitioners seeking a review on ADHD. The drug information is not as up-to-date as it should be; for example, pemoline, a medication that was withdrawn from the US market in 2005 due to hepatic toxicity, is described as an alternative therapy. The cases could have provided an additional question-and-answer format, which would have assisted the reader with application of the material.Comparison with Other Related Books or Products: Therapists would benefit from the detailed psychotherapy options provided in thistext. Other healthcare professionals may obtain more information byreading the ADHD guidelines and current primary literature reviews ontreatment.Reviewer's Summary: This easy-to-read text provides therapistswith a general review on ADHD, thus meeting the objective of the bookseries. The format and quick readability are highlights of this text. Students in the profession would benefit from this evidence-based summary as well.Reviewer: Lea S Eiland PharmD BCPS, Associate Clinical Professorof Pharmacy Practice, Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy,Huntsville, ALPublished Online, 20 Nov 2007, www.theannals.comDOI 10.1345/aph.1K484