A Comprehensive Guide To Attention Deficit Disorder In Adults: Research, Diagnosis And Treatment

By Kathleen G. Nadeau

Book Overview

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0876307608
• ISBN13: 9780876307601
• Release Date: March 1995
• Publisher: Routledge
• Length: 426 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

A first rate handbook for professionals

While six years have passed since Ms. Nadeau published the "comprehensive guide" it's thorough, relevant coverage of the basic topics/issues in the assessment and treatment of adults with ADD compares favorably to recent works by P. Wender M.d. and T. Brown, Ph.D. Despite a growing list of titles on the bookshelf this book stands out as one of few that offers well researched and systematic reviews of basic etiologic and developmental factors. Several chapters discuss the array of differential diagnostic and treatment issues faced by men and women with ADD and/or multiple disorders. Other chapters provide thoughtful analysis and treatment guidelines for dealing with college and graduate students, while other sections offer thorough coverage of assessment issues and strategies. For those seeking a broad-based, well-researched and accessable reference for treating adults with ADD, Nadeau's "comprehensive Guide" remains one of the best.

EXCELLENT RESOURCE FOR THE PROFESSIONAL

In A Comprehensive Guide to Attention Deficit Disorder in Adults, Kathleen Nadeau put together one of the most helpful books for the professional working with clients or patients with ADD. Each chapter is written by a different specialist about a different issue. All chapters contain current information which makes it an invaluable resource for the professional working with ADD clients and patients. I highly recommend it to any professional working with ADD adults and children.

A "must have" for therapists and agencies treating adult ADD

A very well documented and scholarly book. There are chapters on medications, interventions, career issues, assessment, and special topics for women with ADD. Consider buying it for your reference library. Few other books offer such a comprehensive guide to identifying, treating, and understanding attention deficit in adults. My only complaint is that this book was published in 1995. I'm sure a second addition would be even more useful to both the adult with ADD and the practicioners treating it. Still, this is a book you will read enthousiastically, and reference often.