Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common and often debilitating condition. The disorder’s causes are not fully understood, and opinions differ – often radically – regarding optimal treatment. The editors of The All-in-One Guide to ADD and Hyperactivity have selected a variety of health care specialists to describe treatment approaches for the general reader.
The book is divided into more than 30 chapters, each authored by a different specialist, and while there is a section on pharmacologic management of ADHD, the emphasis is primarily on alternative medical treatments. There are chapters on dietary management of ADHD (including removing certain foods or additives from the diet), herbal remedies, acupressure, homeopathy, and other therapies. Surprisingly, the section titled “Psychological and Other Choices” does not include a chapter on behaviour therapy (parent skills training) or family therapy. The editors might regard such treatment as “blaming the parents” for their child’s condition, but these well-established therapies deserve at least a cursory discussion.
Although the book has a small and convenient format, the breadth and diversity of the subjects covered can be overwhelming at times. There is also considerable variation in the quality of the writing between chapters. However, as a starting point for ADHD sufferers and their loved ones searching for alternatives to Ritalin and other drugs, the All-in-One Guide is a valuable reference tool.