ABSTRACT
The history and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) havebeen complicated as the symptoms associated with such diagnosis were often viewed from a perspective of moral behaviors as opposed to a mental health diagnosis. Although clinical knowledge of ADHD has improved over the last 50 years, previously held beliefs about ADHD and related symptoms still permeate a client’s self-perspective as well as how a family may make sense out of such symptoms. This chapter will discuss the unique history of treatment of individuals with ADHD, as well as identifying how treatment perspectives have changed sincethe end of the twentiethcentury, contributing to modern treatment. This chapter will review various ways those who are living with ADHD are at risk for substance use disorders as well as other mental health diagnoses. This chapter will review ways in which counselors can adjust their treatment approaches to create a therapeutic alliance to increase retention and completion of mental health and substance use treatment. Finally, this chapter will review ways treatment programs can accommodate clients living with such diagnosis.
