Assessing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Topics in Social Psychiatry) - Hardcover

Anastopoulos, Arthur D.; Shelton, Terri L.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0306463881 ISBN 13: 9780306463884

Publisher: Springer, 2001

Synopsis

Over the past two decades, the assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) has evolved into a sophisticated balance of science and clinical judgement essential for arriving at reliable and valid diagnostic de- sions. Because of the precarious mix of clinical and empirical skill needed to evaluate children with this disorder, diagnostic practice in this area has been found wanting by many critics. In fact, a 1998 National Institutes of Health consensus panel concluded that “existing diagnostic treatment practices … point to the need for improved awareness by the health service sector conce- ing an appropriate assessment, treatment, and follow-up. A more consistent set of diagnostic procedures and practice guidelines is of utmost importance” (p. 21). Drs. Arthur D. Anastopoulos and Terri L. Shelton have designed a book that addresses this need. A number of themes are highlighted throughout the text. Perhaps the most important is that the assessment guidelines set forth in this book represent a balance between science and practice. The authors account for the realities of clinical practice in an age of managed care while challenging clinicians to heed the lessons of empirical research. Although the use of empirically based asse- ment procedures may at times fly in the face of cost constraints (e. g. , systematic evaluation of medication effects), the authors present a strong argument for them. Further, they call upon their vast clinical experience to provide concrete suggestions for translating research findings into effective evaluations.

About this title

Review

`Useful to seasoned practitioners and for parents of an AD/HD child, this invaluable volume is also an excellent source of information for upper-division undergraduate students and above studying in the fields of psychology, counseling, and education.'
Choice, 39:3
`Drawing on their rich background of clinical experience and scientific empiricism, Drs Anastopoulos and Shelton have provided all clinicians working with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) a gold standard reference for assessment and treatment. Emphasis is placed on scientific validity in making the diagnosis and in using a multimethod approach for treatment.'
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 156:1
`...we are happy to report that Assessing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder by Anastopoulos and Shelton makes a major contribution to a field awash in myths, critics, skeptics, pariahs, personal agendas, and pseudoscience. With so many books aimed at the lowest common denominator, this work stands far above the crowd. ... The authors have immense clinical experience and an excellent track record of publication in academic journals. The book is thorough to a fault and provides critical analyses of the measures it endorses. Clinical vignettes are well chosen and keep the work from reading like a textbook. ...Anastopoulos and Shelton have made an important contribution by reviewing the existing methods and giving clear guidance. We commend them for taking on such a project and succeeding so admirably. Thanks to this book, more children with ADHD will be identified appropriately and treated properly, and less overdiagnosing or misdiagnosing will occur.'
The New England Journal of Medicine, 345:13
`Researchers and clinicians cannot afford to not have this text on their shelves. It represents the very best of what we know and can do today to evaluate, treat and hopefully direct to better the lives of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder'
Journal of Attention Disorder, 5:2 (2001)

Synopsis

This volume provides child health care professionals and educators with a comprehensive set of empirically-driven, process-oriented guidelines for assessing children and adolescents who exhibit symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). This book: offers guidelines for conducting an AD/HD assessment; includes a detailed description of the defining features of AD/HD; comprehensively discusses how AD/HD and its associated features unfold across the life span; presents an in-depth critique of various assessment procedures. "Assessing Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder" steers the reader through the process of selecting measures and reaching accurate AD/HD diagnoses. The text also reviews the process of translating assessment data into treatment recommendations, giving feedback to children and families, and evaluating treatment efficacy.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0306463881
• ISBN 13: 9780306463884
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 365