Treating ADHD and Comorbid Disorders

Steven R. Pliszka, MD, is Dielmann Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he served as Chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry from 1995-2015. Throughout his career, Dr. Pliszka has been involved in a wide range of administrative, research, clinical, and educational activities. His research focuses on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and related disorders; he has been involved with numerous clinical trials of medications for ADHD and currently uses functional magnetic imaging to try to understand the mechanisms of action of ADHD treatments. He has also been involved in several projects to integrate mental health services into pediatric primary care. Dr. Pliszka maintains an active clinical practice and serves as the attending psychiatrist for two residential facilities for children with severe behavioral and emotional disorders.

• 1. Overview of Comorbid Disorders in ADHD 2. Oppositional Defiant and Conduct Disorders 3. Impulsive Aggression 4. Bipolar Disorder 5. Depressive Disorders 6. Anxiety Disorders 7. Tic and Obsessive–Compulsive Disorders 8. Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorders Appendix IA: Structured Clinical Interview for Parents Appendix IB: Child and Adolescent Clinician Interview Appendix II: Brief Update on Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology

"Over 80% of children and adults with ADHD manifest at least one coexisting psychiatric, developmental, or learning disorder, which may alter the clinical presentation of ADHD and affect treatment response. This book is therefore an exceptionally welcome addition to the literature. Pliszka is an internationally recognized expert on the clinical management of ADHD. Staying close to the science of the disorder, on which thousands of research studies have been published, he guides the reader through the thicket of potential comorbid disorders, their differential diagnosis, their impact on adaptive functioning, and their implications for tailoring a package of treatments for each individual case."--Russell A. Barkley, PhD, ABPP, ABCN, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (retired) "This book offers a rich clinical source of useful information about what is currently known about children and adolescents suffering from comorbid ADHD. Pliszka's gripping prose and clinical wisdom are impressive and delightful, especially for those of us dealing with vexing therapeutic challenges."--Laurence L. Greenhill, MD, Ruane Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York "This book is a true gem. Synthesizing diagnostic, etiological, and treatment research on ADHD and comorbid disorders, Pliszka provides a concise yet sophisticated summary of up-to-date findings. I especially appreciate the clinical case material in every chapter. The cases resonate with the challenges and dilemmas that clinicians face and show how a master clinician carefully brings to bear an evidence-based approach to state-of-the-art patient care. The book also addresses a number of controversies related to ADHD and helps us find perspective. Pliszka’s balanced blend of the best psychosocial and medication treatment approaches will make this book of keen interest to a broad audience, including child psychiatrists, pediatricians, psychologists, social workers, and students of child behavior and intervention."--James T. McCracken, MD, Professor and Director, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UCLA Semel Institute "Clinically focused, case centered, and comprehensive in scope. Drawing on his years of experience as a child and adolescent psychiatrist and researcher, Pliszka has written a book that is firmly grounded in the scientific literature and presents much practical information for the clinician. The many case vignettes illustrating the complexities of clinical work with youngsters with ADHD are especially useful. For ADHD researchers, the book provides an indispensable, up-to-date review of the field. Students in psychology, social work, and psychiatry will find much of value in this lucidly written book."--Daniel F. Connor, MD, Lockean Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry; Chief, Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine - The individual case studies are lively and informative, bringing the dilemmas facing the clinician into sharp focus for the reader....Will be of interest to child psychiatrists, psychologists, and practitioners interested in learning more about the complexities of clinical work with children with ADHD. --Special Education Needs Magazine, 2/11/2011Æ’Æ’ This is a remarkable book. It starts where many monographies on developmental disorders stop. It addresses challenges of treatment and guidance in a complex developmental disorder such as ADHD. Moreover, it addresses the issue of comorbidity, which is present in the great majority of ADHD cases; and if not yet present will develop subsequently. The book has the double advantage of being both a comprehensive textbook and a desktop guide....This is an ideal book for practitioners and a must for residents. --European Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 4/3/2010Æ’Æ’ A psychiatrist who splits his time between research and clinical practice, Pliszka is in an ideal position to translate recent studies on ADHD treatment into useful guidelines for clinicians, and his book does not disappoint. The book is clearly written, well-organized, and a thoughtful integration of clinical wisdom and cutting-edge research....Multiple narrative case studies are also included in each chapter, to illustrate the concepts covered....A helpful guide for practitioners who are looking for an accessible overview of research on ADHD comorbidity as well as down-to-earth advice about how to treat children who present with a variety of problems that include ADHD-related symptoms. --Metapsychology Online Reviews, 2/11/2011