Attention Deficit Disorder

October 1, 2005
These complementary books convincingly argue that attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is more than just a popular, convenient diagnosis -it's a real disorder with prominent physiological and psychological components. Hill, a former educator and the mother of two daughters with AD/HD, directs her book to fellow parents who must cope with their children's disturbing behavior and diagnosis, much like Russell A. Barkley does in "Taking Care of ADHD". Besides identifying the symptoms of AD/HD, she educates her readers about their treatment options; her proactive approach inspires hope, as she demonstrates that medication can treat AD/HD symptoms. Best of all, she includes coaching assignments, charts, and checklists designed to assist parents in modifying the behavior of their AD/HD child.

Brown (assoc. director, Yale Clinic for Attention & Related Disorders), on the other hand, takes a more academic approach, devoting, for instance, an entire chapter to the neurophysiology of the ADD-afflicted brain. This explanation paves the way for his discussion of the efficacy of ADD medication and behavior modification. Brown emphasizes that the syndrome may include a constellation of problems, such as conduct, obsessive-compulsive, and bipolar disorders. His book is especially good at discussing ADD in adults. Written for different audiences and purposes, these books nonetheless cover a great deal of common ground, and anyone interested in AD/HD would do well to read both. "The AD/HD Book "is highly recommended for all public libraries, while "Attention Deficit Disorder" is recommended for academic and large public libraries. -Lynne F. Maxwell, Villanova Univ. Sch. of Law Lib., PA

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