ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control [Paperback]

Russell A. Barkley PhD ABPP ABCN (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1593852312 | ISBN-13: 978-1593852313 | Publication Date: September 28, 2005 | Edition: 1

This far-reaching work from renowned scientist-practitioner Russell A. Barkley provides a radical shift of perspective on ADHD. The volume synthesizes neuropsychological research and theory on the executive functions, illuminating how normally functioning individuals are able to bring behavior under the control of time and orient their actions toward the future. Meticulously applying this model to an examination of the cognitive and social impairments manifested in ADHD, Barkley offers compelling new directions for thinking about and treating the disorder. The paperback edition features a new afterword in which the author reflects on current research directions and the continuing evolution of his approach.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This is a masterful synthesis of what we know about ADHD from the clinic and the laboratory. Dr. Barkley's focus on the failure of hyperactive children and adults to inhibit their behavior has major and useful implications for diagnosis and treatment. This book will make a lasting contribution."--Judith Rapoport, MD

"Kudos to Russell Barkley for his courage and tenacity in producing this elegant and eloquent synthesis of facts and concepts about ADHD. Besides being a landmark work of neuropsychiatric importance, this book is a great example of the best in scientific thought, bursting with a joyful creativity that is grounded in but not constricted by accumulated knowledge and conventional wisdom."--Martha Bridge Denckla, MD

"An important theoretical contribution that will generate a great deal of research interest. More importantly, the new clinical approaches that stem from this framework may be of significant immediate and long-term benefit to our patients."--Lily Hechtman, MD, FRCP, McGill University

About the Author

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Barkley has published numerous books, more than 260 scientific articles and book chapters, and 7 videos on ADHD and related disorders, including childhood defiance. He is also the editor of The ADHD Report newsletter. A frequent conference presenter and speaker who is widely cited in the national media, he is past president of the Section on Clinical Child Psychology (the former Division 12) of the American Psychological Association, and of the International Society for Research in Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. His website is www.russellbarkley.org.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 410 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1 edition (September 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593852312
• ISBN-13: 978-1593852313
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #739,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, is a preeminent researcher and practitioner whose other publications for parents include TAKING CHARGE OF ADHD. Dr. Barkley is also the author or editor of numerous acclaimed professional books, including DEFIANT CHILDREN, SECOND EDITION. His educational videos include two programs on childhood defiance and an award-winning series on ADHD. He is Director of Psychology and Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.Christine M. Benton has over 20 years of experience as a writer and editor of books on psychology, self-help, consumer health issues, and other topics. A graduate of St. John's College who resides in Chicago, Illinois, she has helped to develop numerous book projects as a freelance collaborator with publishers, professional associations, and authors.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading for professionals, parents, ADHD adults, November 19, 1999

By 

Mark D. Worthen "Psychologist & Entrepreneur" (Charlotte, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control (Hardcover)

The previous reviewer (Bethesda, MD; 12/22/98) takes one quote out of context and grossly distorts its meaning. Dr. Barkley actually discusses the fact that *many individuals in our society* believe persons with ADHD "deserve what they get." Dr. Barkley does not possess such a callous attitude. As other reviewers have noted, this book is a remarkable synthesis of research in psychology, evolutionary biology, and the neurosciences. The theory Barkley proposes will undoubtedly be refined as researchers put it to the test. However, I suspect that in 20 years we'll look back and wonder how we could have thought ADHD was primarily an "attention disorder" as opposed to an impairment in response inhibition and self-regulation.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent study presenting a new theory of ADHD, February 5, 2003

By 

William J. Rapaport (Buffalo, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control (Hardcover)

My main reason for writing is to point out that the earlier reviewer who criticized Barkley for the passage about the 3 Little Pigs completely misunderstood the point Barkley was trying to make. Barkley was not saying that he thought that ADHD people deserved what they got; he was saying that some people who misunderstood what ADHD was all about might believe that ADHD people deserved what they got. The reviewer did not read Barkley carefully.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive and enlightening overview of ADHD, October 17, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ADHD and the Nature of Self-Control (Hardcover)

Dr. Barkley has synthesized the work of the leading researchers in the field of ADHD and drawn on his vast professional and clinical experience to set forth a new model of the disorder which will benefit laypeople, parents, educators, scientists and medical practitioners. The book is well-organized, well-written and contains such a wealth of information that it is a veritable bible of ADHD. No parent, educator or clinician or adult ADHD sufferer should be without this book. It sheds new light on the disorder and explains many unanswered questions. We are greatly indebted to Dr. Barkley for his ongoing and dedicated work in the field. I highly recommend this book.