One in twenty children has ADHD. Substantial functional impairment accompanies the disorder—including elevated risk for serious accidents, problems in peer and family functioning, and below-average academic achievement.

This critically acclaimed reference surveys research in epidemiology, neuro-psychotherapy, neurobiology, psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, providing an authoritative review of the state of the science on ADHD diagnosis, causes, treatment and outcomes:

• Biological bases and cognitive correlates of ADHD
• Controversies regarding over- or under-diagnosis of ADHD
• Effective treatments
• Risks and rewards of treatment with stimulant medication
• Use of non-stimulant medications and alternative treatments
• Recognizing and treating co-occurring aggressive disorders and learning disabilities
• Risk of substance abuse in the ADHD population
• Adult outcomes for ADHD children
• The impact of ADHD on individuals, families and society
• Educating children with ADHD
• Overcoming barriers to appropriate identification, evaluation and intervention
• Directions for future research

“Comes at a time when there is an explosion of new information on the diagnosis, neurobiology and treatment of ADHD. With chapters by a virtual ‘who’s who’ of the field, presents the best scientific data about this disorder, illuminating the controversies and pointing out future needs. A major contribution!” —Judith L. Rapoport, M.D., Chief, Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health “Unsurpassed in its scope, scholarship, and social relevance.” —Alan E. Kazdin, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine

Summary table of contents

PART 1: IS ADHD A REAL DISORDER?

Chapter 1: Validity of the Diagnosis and Dimensions of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Chapter 2: The Diagnostic Classification, Epidemiology, and Cross-Cultural Validity of ADHD

Chapter 3: Is ADHD a Valid Disorder?

Chapter 4: ADHD—Long-Term Course, Adult Outcome, and Comorbid Disorders

Chapter 5: Is ADHD and Impairing Condition in Childhood and Adolescence?

Chapter 6: The Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Social and Vocational Functioning in Adults

PART 2: WHAT CAUSES ADHD?

Chapter 7: Biological Bases of ADHD—Neuroanatomy, Genetics, and Pathophysiology

Chapter 8: Cognitive Correlates of ADHD

PART 3: ARE ADHD TREATMENTS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE?

Chapter 9: Stimulant Medication Treatment of Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Chapter 10: Public Health and Toxicological Issues Concerning Stimulant Treatment for ADHD

Chapter 11: Nonstimulant Treatments for ADHD

Chapter 12: Psychosocial Interventions for ADHD

Chapter 13: Treatment Alternatives for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Chapter 14: Behavioral and Medication Treatments for ADHD—Comparisons and

Chapter 15: Matching Patients to Treatments

PART 4: DOES STIMULANT USE FOR ADHD LEAD TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE?

Chapter 16: Alcohol, Stimulants, Nicotine, and Other Drugs in ADHD

Chapter 17: Medicated vs. Unmedicated ADHD Children—Adult Involvement With Legal and Illegal Drugs

Chapter 18: Stimulant Treatment as a Risk Factor for Nicotine Use and Substance Abuse

Chapter 19: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Substance Use Disorders—The Nature of the Relationship, Subtypes at Risk, and Treatment Issues

Chapter 20: Diversion, Trafficking, and Abuse of Methylphenidate

Chapter 21: Availability of Stimulant Medications—Nature and Extent of Abuse and Associated Harm

Chapter 22: Treatment Services for Children With ADHD—A National Perspective

PART 5: EXISTING PRACTICES AND POLICIES REGARDING ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF ADHD

Chapter 23: Current Assessment and Treatment Practices in ADHD

Chapter 24: Impact of ADHD on School Systems

Chapter 25: The Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on the Juvenile Justice System

Chapter 26: Educational Policy—Educating Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Chapter 27: Use of Services and Costs for Youth With ADHD and Related Conditions

Afterword: ADHD, Past, Present, and Future

Appendix: National Institutes of Health Consensus Statement