Elizabeth P. Sparrow

Formal definitions of ADHD such as those found in the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manuals (DSM-IV and DSM-5) are of little practical use when applied to assessment of individuals in clinical practice. It is true that the basic criteria for ADHD set some general limits around the boundaries of the concept. But ADHD in real life is too complex, too varied in its manifestations, and too dependent upon the particular quirks of history and the environment in order for the general guidelines of the psychiatric manuals to reach a firm diagnosis of a mental disorder. Indeed, there is growing evidence that those manuals actually contribute to the explosion of false diagnoses of mental illness, as detailed by Dr Alan Frances, the former leader of the team that created DSM-IV.

The book by Drs. Sparrow and Erhardt on essentials of ADHD Assessment is therefore extremely needed and timely. Written in clear and precise language, the book provides the necessary background about the concept of ADHD, as well as the basic principles of assessment. The authors stress the importance of gathering information from multiple sources and from multiple methods or instruments. They provide an excellent coverage of complicating "comorbid" conditions such as academic, interpersonal, developmental and medical factors. Issues of genetic and environmental influences address the problem of sorting out the causes or etiology of ADHD. Unlike a cookbook of arbitrary methods, the assessment procedures are set within a clear background of guiding principles. Guidance on what to look for in the clinical setting, the use of rating scales, and testing of cognitive functions gives the details needed in a thorough assessment.

Special attention is paid to the role of DSM-5, and to the challenges of differential diagnosis and comorbidity.

In summary, this is a solid, reliable guide to what the book aims for: the ls ESSENTIALS of ADHD assessment. It is an indispensable addition to the tools and skills of seasoned clinicians, their students of the art of assessment, and to a broader public looking for clarification of the complex syndrome of ADHD and related disorders… (lisätietoja)

This is a specialized book for those who do ADHD assessments using the Conners Scales. Because of their length and comprehensive coverage of childhood disorders, using the scales, scoring them, and arriving at a refined report can be a daunting task. This book is an accurate, practical guideline for getting the most out of scales that have taken over 25 years to standardize and which provide the most technically advanced methods for accurate assessment of ADHD and related disorders. As a former research assistant and later a contributing co-author of Conners, Dr. Sparrow is one of the most knowledgeable contributors to this form of assessment.… (lisätietoja)