Abstract
Russell Barkley is an internationally recognized expert in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) across the lifespan. He has written and published copiously on this subject, including scientific articles, textbooks, rating scales, and workbooks. Previous editions of his “Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis & Treatment” have been recognized worldwide as essential guides, summarizing the latest scientific data and clinical treatment in ADHD.
The purpose of this fourth edition is again to summarize cutting edge science and clinical assessment and treatment pertaining to ADHD. The fourth edition is larger than the third edition predecessor (35 chapters, compared with 22 chapters). It has many more contributors to the expanded number of chapters, covering new topics. These authors are themselves well-recognized experts in their subspecialties within the area of ADHD.
The volume is hard-covered and attractive. It is easy to read, given its concise nature. At the end of each chapter, there is a helpful summation, and a particularly useful feature is the “Key Clinical Points” section.
The book is well-organized into 4 coherent parts. Part I focuses on numerous vital topics, and has added chapters on emotional dysregulation, executive functioning, and concentration deficit disorder. Chapter 9 addresses the progression of ADHD across the lifespan, and highlights important sex differences in people with ADHD. Chapter 11 is a welcome addition, speaking to health problems and impairments in children and adults. Comorbidity is well covered.
Part II focuses on assessment of ADHD in children and adults. The child review is excellent and I was impressed with the two very important chapters on evaluation of adults with ADHD, one of which focuses on the primary practice setting.
Elements of the treatment approaches for children and adolescents with ADHD are examined in Part III. These are exceptional and have included an updated focus on the driving risk interventions for adolescents with ADHD and training parents and families of this youth demographic.
The final section highlights treatment interventions for adults with ADHD. It features both psychological counselling, but also important cognitive-behavioural therapies. Reference was made to the evolving use of mindfulness in the treatment of this condition. Pharmacotherapy in the adult population is rigorously reviewed by authors with vast clinical experience. As more adults are diagnosed with ADHD, they will benefit from treatments outlined in this section.
In summary, this fourth edition once again sets the gold standard as an evidence-based, clinically oriented text which may act as a guidebook for students, residents, and practicing clinicians. As a reference book, it is easy to access any desired topic, and should be on anyone’s bookshelf if they are interested in ADHD. This is a great work.