7/1/04 Science Books & Films
This well-written and informative book introduces attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to middle school children. The condition is succinctly and appropriately described, enabling the young reader to understand the disease, its consequences, and its treatment. ADHD is broken down into its three subtypes: inattentive, hyperactive-impulsive, and combined. The book also touches on other behavioral conditions that may coexist with and exacerbate ADHD, such as oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). Chapters treat the possible etiologies of the condition, treatment strategies, and steps in diagnosing the illness. The text is free of gender and ethnic biases relating to the number of children diagnosed with ADHD and is also free of controversies surrounding the extent of the diagnosis of the condition in various countries. The author provides a brief, but interesting, historical perspective on a disease that is mistakenly regarded as solely a contemporary disorder. Vignettes about children affected with ADHD are presented throughout the text, giving the book a personal tone and increasing the reader's interest. One deficiency is the lack of graphics, illustrations, and diagrams needed to keep the interest of young readers. The only illustration does a poor job of demonstrating how neurons and neurotransmitters work and insufficiently relates synaptic function to ADHD and to the medications used for its treatment. The book contains a short, but helpful, glossary and lists other sources of information about ADHD, such as books and Web sites. Overall, this volume is a valuable resource to young readers who want simple, unbiased, and straightforward information about ADHD.

 
-July/August 2004