A Comprehensive Guide To Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults

Book excerpt: This groundbreaking volume, written by pioneering clinicians and researchers firmly convinced of the neurobiological underpinnings of ADD in adults, is the first to provide broad coverage of this burgeoning field. Written for professionals who diagnose and treat adults with ADD, it provides information from psychologists and physicians on the most current research and treatment issues regarding our understanding of ADD as a neurobiological disorder. According to the contributors, ADD in adults may be responsible for difficulties ranging from minor attention, memory, and organization problems in well-functioning adults to drug abuse and criminal behavior. A Comprehensive Guide to Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults begins by addressing the history of ADD and the evolution of our understanding of the disorder. The neurobiology of ADD is examined, laying a solid foundation for the clinician to develop a scientific understanding of this complex syndrome. The assessment and differential diagnosis of ADD is explored from the perspectives of a variety of specialists in the field. This includes an exploration of the interrelationships between attention deficit disorder and other neurodevelopmental disabilities that may interact with ADD to affect cognitive functioning, and an examination of the connections between ADD and a host of psychiatric conditions. Also covered is the process of differential diagnosis from a neurological perspective, which will help the non-medically trained clinician better to determine when a complete neurological evaluation seems warranted in the assessment process. Authors examine ADD with and without hyperactivity and describe a wide range of assessment tools that can be useful in developing a full diagnostic picture of different conditions that must be addressed in treating adults with the disorder. A wealth of experience, highly practical suggestions, and an optimistic outlook are the hallmark of the section on treatment. The authors strongly recommend a multifaceted treatment plan combining medication, psychotherapy, and addressing the pervasive self-esteem issues which typically haunt the adult whose condition has gone untreated. Specific treatment issues for Adults with ADD are also discussed. These include:- * the development of practical life management skills * the difficulties in relationships * ADD within the context of marriage and family * and higher education and the workplace. The volume concludes with a discussion of the legal implications of the diagnosis of ADD in adults as it pertains to education and employment, the important role of support groups for adults with ADD, and a thought-provoking examination of current and future research including the need for increased public recognition of ADD in adults. A Comprehensive Guide to Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults is a pioneering volume that will bring the most current information available to the attention of those able to help adult ADD sufferers...vocation and rehabilitation counselors, and numerous psychotherapists who recognize symptoms of depression and anxiety, but perhaps overlook the underlying attention deficit disorder. It will stimulate the interdisciplinary research that is the key to increasing knowledge and educate those who can truly make a difference.