ADHD in Adulthood: A Guide to Current Theory, Diagnosis, and Treatment [Paperback]

Margaret Weiss (Author), Lily Trokenberg Hechtman (Author), Gabrielle Weiss (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 6, 2001

How does ADHD manifest itself in adult life? In general, the authors write, hyperactivity tends to diminish with age, impulsivity changes quality, and attention problems remain the same although they may become more disabling as organizational demands increase. The authors carefully answer the questions often posed by professionals and patients about these symptoms and other issues. They describe the diagnostic interview and the use of rating scales and include examples of the scales. They also provide a well-balanced review of associated psychiatric conditions, such as mood and anxiety disorders, Tourette's syndrome, oppositional and conduct problems, and substance abuse. Descriptions of all the primary approaches to treatment—medication, psychological therapies, and environmental restructuring—include vivid case examples.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The three authors have extensive experience treating both children and adults with ADHD. Although this textbook discusses problems and issues relating to adult patients, it will help anyone to understand the full scope of the disorder. This is an excellent textbook for understanding ADHD both in childhood and in adult life and, thus, it should be useful to both the pediatrician and the family practitioner.

(Pediatric and Child Health 2003)

A sensible book, well referenced and up-to-date, it should be on the shelf of any clinic that sees adults with self-regulatory disorders.

(Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review )

A comprehensive and authoritative text on the subject of [ADHD in adulthood] that combines a scholarly command of the literature and the extensive clinical experience of the authors into a masterful synthesis of the current state of knowledge. The book will be invaluable for both clinicians and researchers.

(American Journal of Psychiatry )

This volume will serve as an excellent introduction to the topic for those who find themselves consulted increasingly by patients themselves or by their physicins, as awareness of the persistence of ADHD into adulthood continues to burgeon. It is worthwhile reading for any clinician with an interest in human behavior.

(Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences )

This book, the first on adult ADHD for professionals since 1995, is an excellent resource... [it] provides comprehensive, accessible information both for clinicians and for informed lay persons.

(Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic )

From the Publisher

"The three authors of the textbook have extensive experience treating both children and adults with ADHD. Although this textbook discusses problems and issues relating to adult patients, it will help anyone to understand the full scope of the disorder. This is an excellent textbook for understanding ADHD both in childhood and in adult life and, thus, it should be useful to both the paediatrician and the family practitioner."—Pediatric and Child Health

"A sensible book, well referenced and up-to-date, it should be on the shelf of any clinic that sees adults with self-regulatory disorders." —Child Psychology and Psychiatry Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press (November 6, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080186822X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801868221
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #559,702 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book Review: the actual written information, not the price, January 25, 2002

By 

"dizzygirl-smartypants" (Canada, eh!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ADHD in Adulthood: A Guide to Current Theory, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Hardcover)

Although written for the professional community involved in diagnosing and treating ADD, I found the book to be just as accessible and helpful to the lay reader. The authors are very credible in delivering the information from an objective point of view. A number of topics are discussed in detail concerning assessment of ADD in adults, its coexistence (comorbidity) with other disorders, current drug and behavioral interventions, the effects of ADD within the family and community, and the impact of ADD on individuals throughout their lives. As it is an "academic" text, each chapter is thoroughly referenced (which I like, because then I get to analyze their info sources). I found the guide to stimulant medications helpful --it was the most information I've uncovered thus far (next to Mosby's Drug reference guides)--as this form of treatment particularly concerns me. I was also moved by the personal stories of people interviewed who have been dealing with ADD, as some of the stories really hit home. OKAY, the book is NOT CHEAP, most books published by academic presses (John Hopkins in this case) are not. The writing is pretty straight-forward, perhaps even somewhat "reserved", but it is not geared for the self-help, everybody's-gotta-publish-their-opinion market. You will not see this book endorsed on Oprah. Decide for yourself if this book fits your budget, but do try to get a peak at its content through your local community or college library. You might even luck out, like I did, and find a first-printing hiding in the back shelves at a local bookstore for a reduced rate.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cheaper than a therapy session -- and more useful when it comes to ADHD, January 11, 2007

By 

Gina Pera "Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?, a... (San Francisco Bay Area, United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ADHD in Adulthood: A Guide to Current Theory, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Paperback)

Volunteering in my community in the area of ADHD, I find the biggest mistake people make is trying to get help on the cheap. They go to therapists and physicians who don't understand ADHD -- and offer suffer severe consequences because of it. They might be treated with anti-depressants and, when that doesn't work, labeled as treatment-resistant. They might be told they are passive-aggressive or have other labels affixed, mostly labels for which there is no effective therapeutic treatment (because the behaviors are biologically based, but many therapists don't know that!).

Even in cities with highly trained physicians and therapists, the level of knowledge about ADHD can be appalling.

That's why it's critical, if you think you might have ADHD, that you get educated first as a mental health care consumer. And I cannot imagine a better source than this book, from three preeminent clinicians and researchers in this field.

Read this book, and you will know more than 95% of therapists and physicians. Yes, I know that is a scary thought, but it is reality. And, this reality will help you immensely in your evaluation and treatment process.

ADHD can be a costly disorder -- in jobs lost, marriages lost, bankruptcies, traffic violation fines, etc. It can also take up to five years for most people with ADHD to find care providers who offer effective treatment.

By any standard, this book could save you not only money but years of frustration and suffering. It's cheap at any price.

Gina Pera

6 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I didn't buy it because of the price., June 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: ADHD in Adulthood: A Guide to Current Theory, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Hardcover)

I saw the book at a convention, but I couldn't afford it. I will try the library. Maybe I can find the book there.