An ADHD Primer » (2nd Edition)

Filled with current, practical, and useful information for professionals and individuals, this second edition of An ADHD Primer summarizes the literature concerning ADHD across the lifespan. It offers a better understanding of the disorder by addressing the potential causes of ADHD, the developmental course, and numerous treatment approaches. Author Lisa L. Weyandt delivers research-based, cutting-edge knowledge in a concise and user-friendly fashion. The book skillfully explains the scientific literature, often complex, concerning this disorder.

Commonly asked questions are addressed, including: What causes ADHD? What does ADHD look like, and how can it be accurately assessed? How can ADHD be treated with and without medication? Weyandt thoroughly tackles these question and more. The text contains helpful tables and appendices, as well as numerous up-to-date resources for readers who desire additional information about the disorder.

An ADHD Primer is intended for students enrolled in teacher-certification programs, graduate students enrolled in research and applied training programs, educators, counselors, nurses, psychologists, parents, and individuals with ADHD.

Foreword     xi
Preface     xiii
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder-What Is It?     1
Description     1
Does ADHD Exist     1
Background Information     2
Difference in Subtypes     3
Current Criteria     6
DSM-IV Limitations     6
Prevalence of ADHD and ADHD Symptoms     7
Prevalence of ADHD Symptoms in Other Countries     9
Increased Incidence of ADHD?     10
Developmental Information     11
Prenatal, Infancy, and Toddlerhood     11
Childhood     13
Adolescence     16
Adulthood     18
Gender Information     23
Legal Issues     25
IDEA     25
Section 504     26
ADA     28
Summary     28
Test Your Knowledge About ADHD     28
ADHD-What Causes It?     30
Myths     30
Diet     30
Sugar and Additional Myths     31
Genetic and Heredity Factors     31
Genetic and Chromosomal Factors     31
Heredity Factors     32
NeurochemicalFactors     34
Neuroanatomical and Neurophysiological Findings     36
Anatomical Findings     36
Neurophysiological Findings     37
Neuropsychological Factors     40
Integration of Research Findings     42
Summary     43
ADHD-How Is It Assessed?     44
Multimethod Assessment     44
Definition and Steps     44
Components of a Multimethod Assessment     45
Parent Interview     48
Questionnaires     48
Semistructured or Structured Interview     49
Developmental History     49
Medical History     50
Social-Emotional History     50
Academic History     52
Family History     52
Family Functioning     53
Parental Perceptions of Current Behavior     53
Teacher Interview     55
Semistructured Interview     55
Functional Behavior Assessment     56
Teacher Rating Scales     57
Academic Skills and Information     57
Child, Adolescent, or Adult Observations and Interview     57
Observations     58
Child, Adolescent, or Adult Interview      59
Self-Report Rating Scales     60
Standardized, Norm-Referenced Tests     61
IQ Tests     61
Freedom From Distractibility Factor     61
Achievement Tests and Curriculum-Based Measurement     62
Laboratory Measures     62
Neuropsychological Tests     63
Continuous Performance Tests     65
Medical Evaluation     65
Integration of Information     65
Subtyping     66
Differential Diagnosis     67
Learning Disabilities     67
Behavior Disorders     68
Depression and Anxiety     69
Summary     70
ADHD-How Is It Treated? School- and Home-Based Approaches     71
School-Based Interventions     71
Teacher Preparation     72
Attention and Academic Issues     73
Behavioral Issues     84
Social-Emotional Issues     94
Home-Based Interventions     98
Education About ADHD     98
Home-School Collaboration     98
Structured Homework Time     100
Tutoring     100
Parenting Skills Training     100
Token Economies and Parent-Child Contracts     102
Promoting Self-Esteem     102
Counseling Interventions     103
Summary     104
ADHD-How Is It Treated? Medication and Alternative Approaches     105
Medication     105
Stimulant Medication     105
Nonstimulant Medication     117
Antidepressant Medication     117
Alpha2 Noradrenergic Agonists     119
Combined Treatments     119
Alternative Approaches     120
Biofeedback     120
Caffeine     121
Diet Modification     121
Massage and Yoga     123
Sensory Integration Training     124
Additional Alternative Interventions     124
Summary     124
Appendixes     127
References     161
Index     207