Beyond Ritalin

May 15, 1996
Garber and his coauthors target the sensationalism surrounding the use of the psychostimulant Ritalin (methylphenidate) to treat children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and counter media hype and distortion with solid information, evenhanded discussion, and illuminating advice. They meld anecdotal case histories with clear, accessible definitions, explanations, and guidance as they firmly state that medication alone is no panacea for a complex neuropsychological disorder and contend that additional therapies (psychotherapy, behavior modification, etc.) must be included in successful treatment plans for children "and" adults. They offer detailed factual information about what medication can and can't do, consider the subtle interplay of ADHD characteristics in school and social environments, and thoughtfully counsel modifications in everyday life as components in multimodal approaches. Indeed, there is something here for everyone concerned with ADHD, for those wary of medication or seeking nonmedical treatment approaches as well as for those who want to know more about Ritalin in relation to the overall treatment of attention disorders. ((Reviewed May 15, 1996))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1996, American Library Association.)