Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Book excerpt: This new edition of Dr. Larry Silver's groundbreaking clinical book incorporates recent research findings on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), covering the latest information on diagnosis, associated disorders, and treatment, as well as ADHD in adults. Providing a broad overview of the continuum of neurobiologically based conditions, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder thoroughly reviews disorders often found to be comorbid with ADHD, including specific learning disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, anger regulation problems, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and tic disorders. Dr. Silver emphasizes that ADHD is a life disability that affects not only school performance but also family life, peer interactions, and successful participation in sports and other activities. For about half of the individuals with this disorder, it is also a lifetime disability -- thus, interventions must be considered for each phase of life. Addressing day-to-day management issues faced by physicians and mental health professionals who see patients with ADHD, this guidebook discusses such practical concerns as how to make a differential diagnosis, work with children and families in a multimodal treatment setting, manage a medication regimen, and explain ADHD to parents. Covering ways to work with the school system as well as new and controversial therapies, this up-to-the-minute book is essential reading for all who care for individuals with ADHD.