ADHD

General Information

The three main symptoms of ADHD are inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Those with ADHD may have difficulty in school or at work, troubled relationships with family and peers, and low self-esteem.
Many ADHD symptoms are also common to other mental health problems such as anxiety and depressive disorders. Thus, it is important to obtain a complete assessment prior to being diagnosed. Complete assessments include an interview and various psychological tests.
Although ADHD symptoms are first noticed in childhood, some children’s symptoms continue into their adult lives.
Inattention may be the primary problem with some patients, while hyperactivity and impulsivity may be the main problem with others. Most patients have problems in all three symptom areas, hence the prevalence of the Combined Type of ADHD. Many individuals occasionally have symptoms such as these, but patients with ADHD have these symptoms more often and to a greater extent than do others of the same age.
These symptoms must be present for more than 6 months and must be having a negative effect on the patient’s functioning at school, on the job, or in social situations for the diagnosis of ADHD to be made.
Although there is no “cure” for ADHD there are accepted treatments that specifically target its symptoms. These standard treatments include educational approaches, psychological or behavioral therapies, and medication.

Edward M. Hallowell & John J. Ratey (1995), Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood through Adulthood. ISBN 0684801280
This book is a valuable resource that offers a life-span perspective on attention disorders and emphasizes the effect such disorders can have on relationships, education, and careers. The book reviews the diagnosis of attention disorders, co-occurring disorders, and treatment strategies.
Driven to Distraction Edward Hallowell, M.D. & John Ratey, M.D.
Beyond ADD: Hunting for Reasons in the Past and PresentThom Hartmann
Answers to DistractionEdward Hallowell, M.D. & John Ratey, M.D.
You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy!Kate Kelly & Peggy Ramundo
Attention Deficit Disorder in AdultsLynn Weiss, Ph.D
Adult ADDThomas Whiteman, Ph.D & Michelle Novotni, Ph.D
Healing ADD: Simple Exercises That Will Change Your Daily LifeThom Hartmann
The Down and Dirty Guide to Adult Attention Deficit DisorderMichael Gordon, Ph.D & F. Daniel McClure, Ph.D
Adventures in Fast Forward: Life, Love, and Work for the ADD Adultby Kathleen G. Nadeau Ph.D.