ADHD: The Essential Guide By Diane Paul, Need 2 Know Books, 2008, £8.99 pb, 136 pp. ISBN 9781861440600

Following the publication of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) clinical guideline in September 2008, there has been renewed interest and increased awareness about the disorder.

ADHD: The Essential Guide is intended to be an easy-to-read resource for parents, teachers and carers to guide them through the process of diagnosis and treatment. There is certainly room in the market for an up-to-date guide. The book is presented in a very readable and attractive format, with some good chapters such as ‘Signs and Symptoms’ and ‘Support from Your School’, as well as sensible ‘Action Points’ for parents. Probably the high points of the book are the help list, references and book list.

I read with interest in the introduction that the author did not receive advice or comments on this draft from clinicians working in the field other than collaboration with a nutritional therapist. This is sadly reflected in the numerous errors throughout the book, from the inaccurate definitions of coexisting conditions (such as referring to affective disorders as inability to control emotions and exploding with angry outbursts), through to worrying confusion about the different formulations, indications and side-effects of methylphenidate and dexamfetamine. The author states incorrectly that Adderall is available in the UK and is more effective than methylphenidate. Incredibly, the author also informs us that Ritalin SR, which is not licensed in the UK, can be obtained by giving your prescription to the pharmacist who will fax it to the manufacturer. There is also inaccurate information about the roles of clinicians in child and adolescent mental health services, referral processes and assessments.

It remains unfortunate that the overwhelming number of inaccuracies completely marred a book that was clearly well intentioned by the author. She conveyed a passion in trying to produce this guide, but sadly her lack of clinical knowledge is reflected in the glaring errors throughout the book. Rather than guiding parents in the quest to seek help for their children, I fear this book will perplex them and lead to conflict with services. Until these errors are rectified, I do not feel I could recommend this book.