Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects approximately five percent of American school-age children. In a classroom of thirty, it is likely that at least one child will have ADHD. Symptoms include extreme levels of hyperactivity, inattention, and disruptive behavior. A Harvard University study published in September 2004 reported that students with ADHD are less likely than their non-ADHD peers to complete high school and less likely to attend college. The study found that on average those adults with ADHD have household incomes that are about $10,000 lower for high school graduates and $4,300 lower for college graduates, compared with those who do not have ADHD. Understanding Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a concise, clearly written overview of the condition’s symptoms and the range of possible treatments. Chapters explain how certain behavioral patterns can be misdiagnosed as ADHD, how early diagnosis and treatment of the condition is critical, how the various forms of the condition affect a child’s psychology and socialization, and how parents can help to address the condition effectively and supportively. Understanding ADHD provides useful, up-to-date information on a condition that can be treated with early diagnosis and intervention. The book will prove useful to professionals and parents seeking a better understanding of children and childhood development.

Explains what attention deficit disorder is and how to treat it, discussing the cognitive and emotional aspects, what the medication options are, how to maintain positive relations with friends, and how to do well at school.

Fully revised to take account of the latest developments in the treatment and diagnosis of ADHD, this text covers topics such as: the causes; how to help improve behaviour at home and at school; making the diagnosis; medication and alternative therapies; and boosting self esteem.

This essential guide provides accessible, concise, evidence-based guidelines on Atttention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), offering a deeper scientific understanding of the condition and its consequences. It offers ideas and insights for managing the condition in daily family life and promoting the most effective self-regulation strategies for children and adolescents, allowing parents to better understand the origins of their child’s behaviour and avoid potential negative consequences. In this straightforward text, Capodieci and Re set out the basic theories on ADHD and cover key topics including parent-child relationships, helping children understand their condition, friendships with peers, comorbidities, classroom strategies, and how families and professionals can best work together. Taking into account the most recent updates to the DSM-5 definition of ADHD, the authors emphasise the importance of a multifocal approach to the treatment of ADHD, involving the child’s teachers, parents and peers, to better develop family and peer relationships. They offer strategies for the classroom, for good sleep and for healthy eating and physical activity, and support for any other learning, language, movement and emotional problems an ADHD child might have. Understanding ADHD will be essential reading for parents of children with ADHD, as well as health, education and social care professionals involved in the field.

"In a discussion of ADHD treatments, Wender and Tomb stress that drug therapy remains the most effective in treating the disorder. They add, however, that psychological techniques, when combined with medication, can produce further improvement. Wender and Tomb offer practical, comprehensive instructions on how parents of an ADHD sufferer can best help their child. Now a classic work, ADHD grants parents and adults whose lives have been touched by this disorder an indispensable source of help, hope, and understanding"--

The definitive guide to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder - fully revised and updated for a new generation of parents. The bestselling author of Toddler Taming and Beyond Toddlerdom, Dr Christopher Green, with Dr Kit Chee, demystifies ADHD, the elusive and distressing condition that affects learning and behaviour. Understanding ADHD gives a clear overview of ADHD - the causes, the behaviours and the treatments - and dispels the myths. It is full of well-tried, practical and proven strategies to help with common ADHD problems such as inattention, impulsiveness and underachievement. Drawing on the latest research, the new edition includes: How to identify ADHD in your child ADHD in the under-fives How to encourage better behaviours at school and home Medication and alternative therapies: the pros and cons How to deal with the stress ADHD causes for parents and siblings How to help with reading, writing and language Advice for adults with ADHD Answers to common questions Fully updated list of resources Understanding ADHD shows parents how to work with teachers and health professionals to give their child the best possible chance of entering adulthood with self-confidence, life skills and strong family relationships.

An estimated seven million American adults have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Understanding and Treating Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder provides accurate, timely information about the nature and treatment of this disorder. Written in a collegial style, this resource combines evidence-based material with clinical experience to address problems in diagnosing and treating adults with ADHD. Dr. Doyle shows how diagnostic and treatment methods in children with ADHD also apply to affected adults. He examines the role of medications, including new agents that expand the range of therapeutic choices. Understanding the evolution of the concept and treatment of ADHD in children illuminates current thinking about the disorder in adults. Dr. Doyle presents guidelines for establishing a valid diagnosis, including clinical interviews and standardized rating scales. He covers genetic and biochemical bases of the disorder. He also addresses the special challenges of forming a therapeutic alliance -- working with "coach" caregivers; cultural, ethnic, and racial issues; legal considerations; and countertransference issues. He explores a range of options for treating adult ADHD: Detailed facts about using medication, with specific information on both CNS stimulants and nonstimulant medications. He also discusses highly touted medications that are actually ineffective. Full coverage of comprehensive treatment approaches beyond medication -- focusing on cognitive behavioral therapies, among others. He uses a detailed clinical example drawn from several patients to illustrate issues involved in treating ADHD adults over time. Complete review of conditions that may require treatment before ADHD can be addressed. Many ADHD adults struggle with comorbid anxiety, affective disorders, and substance abuse. Dr. Doyle explains how overlooked ADHD can complicate the treatment of other disorders. He provides strategies for the patient with medication-resistant or treatment-refractory ADHD. The book provides in-depth discussion of such issues as the impact of ADHD in the workplace, including steps for maximizing job satisfaction; special considerations related to women; and the effect of ADHD on families. A useful appendix helps readers and patients find reliable information about ADHD on the Internet, allowing clinicians to develop an "e-prescription" to supplement medication and other interventions. Dr. Doyle advocates the promise of enhanced life prospects for adults with ADHD that effective treatment provides. Besides addressing the special challenges of ADHD adults, Dr. Doyle conveys the rewards of working with patients who prove resourceful, creative, and persistent.