Understanding And Treating Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [Paperback]

Brian B. Doyle (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1585622214 | ISBN-13: 978-1585622214 | Publication Date: April 14, 2006 | Edition: 1

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book's strengths lie in it s chapters on psychopharmacological treatment and considerations. The decision-making process for treatment of patients with both stimulant and nonstimulant medications is covered thoroughly, taking into account such important topics as addiction contraindications, and side effect."-- "PsycCRITIQUES", "May 23, 2007"

About the Author

Brian B. Doyle, M.D., is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and of Family and Community Medicine at Georgetown University Medical School in Washington, DC.

Product Details

• Paperback: 354 pages
• Publisher: American Psychiatric Publishing; 1 edition (April 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585622214
• ISBN-13: 978-1585622214
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,909,890 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favorite, July 12, 2006

By 

Meredith Cary "Asst. Professor, Medical Psych... (Bethesda, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding And Treating Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Paperback)

BRAVO!! Dr. Doyle's style of writing is enormously engaging and a quick read, despite the comprehensive and scholarly nature of the book. When I first picked it up, I actually found that I couldn't put the book down, as if it was a well-written novel.

He doesn't JUST describe the issues. He usually gives GREAT vignettes or examples of actual people or composites of those he's known who are dealing with difficulties and under certain situations (work, home, etc.). So, the images of people and their issues are very vividly portrayed.

I highly recommend the book to my psychology graduate students who will be treating adults with ADHD. In fact when students ask me, "How does ADD manifest itself" (like in young women who aren't necessarily hyper), I refer them to this book. As well, I think the book is appropriate for many patients and their loved ones. They can be helped to understand so many of the complexities related to living with the challenge of ADHD.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for Anyone Interested in ADHD, July 19, 2006

By 

MJ Vilardi - See all my reviews

This review is from: Understanding And Treating Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Paperback)

Although this book appears to be aimed at psychiatrists and mental health professionals, most of it is quite accessible to the lay person like myself. I like professional journals and books because I want details and depth, but they are usually crammed with overly technical terms and very dry.

Dr. Doyle's book is the rare exception: a comprehensive, professional-level work that is actually enjoyable to read. His style is almost conversational, and although he presents a lot of technical information, I never felt like I was slogging through a textbook. Unfamiliar terms are clearly explained, and every chapter is sprinkled with specific references to groups, associations, websites and other books where you can get more information.

The chapters on medications provide the best review of currently prescribed ADHD drugs I've ever seen, in print or online. Doyle clearly explains each class of drug and how it works, and discusses critical issues like side effects, interactions, and precautions. Again, though written for doctors, this material will be very helpful for patients and families.

Doyle's approach to ADHD is sensibly holistic: he emphasizes the importance of each patient's uniqueness, and discusses the impact of factors like age, gender, ethnicity etc. And his survey of treatment options goes beyond traditional psychotherapy and medication to include ADHD "coaching," cognitive-behavioral therapy, and what he calls "environmental interventions" (making changes in one's social or work settings).

Doyle suggests that, once you've found a way to manage disruptive symptoms, it's wise to consider lifestyle and career choices that are compatible with adult ADHD. In this area (and throughout the book) he offers relevant examples drawn from his years of psychiatric practice. I found these stories fascinating, and they're a big part of what makes this book so engaging.

Highly recommended!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Book for Professionals and Lay-Readers!, October 17, 2006

By 

Dolph Arnicar - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Understanding And Treating Adults With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Paperback)

A thousand thanks for this excellent text, Dr Doyle!

It is rare indeed to find a book that provides vital, up-to-date information for the busy practitioner AND is so clearly written that it is easily understandable for the lay-reader. Tis book accomplishes both with a crisp writing style that is consistently clear, informative and engaging throughout.

Well-referenced chapters review the diagnosis, biological basis and comprehensive treatment of this increasingly identified disorder.
Dr Doyle even-handedly covers the many controversies that still surround ADHD in Adults. Especially helpful to the clinician is the chapter on managing Co morbid and Treatment Refractory ADHD. The section on "Work, Women and Family" even includes a very informative evaluation of "ADHD-Friendly Work"

Dr Doyle has masterfully written a handy and helpful reference for busy clinicians treating Adults with ADHD. Impressively, this text is also easily accessible to the non-professional or family member who is trying to understand and cope with the complexities and consequences of this challenging disorder.

I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with ADHD!