Two veterans in the field have come together to produce this well written summary of ADHD. Both authors are researchers and excellent clinicians, and they have married their backgrounds in research, pediatrics, psychology and extensive clinical experience. This is an easy to read book which is deceptively simple, and in fact would have something to offer to both beginners and to those who are experts in the field. The writing is seamless, succinct, and up to date. The book is easy to read and comprehensive. The authors have managed to include a historical perspective, a multidisciplinary point of view, and a very balanced set of recommendations that are realistic and can be incorporated into clinical practice.
The book starts with a historical review which provides clarity for the evolution of current controversies. The authors then go on to discuss the essential information on ADHD such as prevalence, etiology, and long term outcomes. Each chapter is well informed and followed by a useful bibliography listing the most helpful key sources. The procedures for management of ADHD are reviewed including screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. The book moves beyond symptoms to a comprehensive summary of functional impairments.
One of the unique features of this book is the marriage of the pediatric and psychology literature, thus reflecting the background of the authors. Thus, unlike most such books, it includes clear recommendations on how to help families optimize their well being, effective ways to intervene in the school classroom, and setting up interdisciplinary communication for optimal care. The book concludes by bringing this information together in a summary of future directions and a summary of very useful resources for patients. Each chapter ends with key references.
This book is a unique accomplishment. The authors have created something that is at once short, readable, well balanced and accurate. In this way they have managed to produce something that can be read by residents or students and come away not only with the most current knowledge, but a balanced, well thought out, consistent view of this disorder. At the same time, the expert in the field is bound to learn from this review which brings many disparate points of view together in a cohesive fashion.