Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D.
M.I.N.D. Institute Distinguished Lecturer Series – February 13, 2008
Biographical Information
Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., is clinical professor of psychiatry at the Medical University of South
Carolina and research professor of psychiatry at the State University of New York Upstate Medical
School in Syracuse, NY. He is a Diplomate in three specialties: Clinical Psychology (ABPP), Clinical
Child and Adolescent Psychology, and Clinical Neuropsychology (ABCN, ABPP). A clinical scientist,
educator, and practitioner, Dr. Barkley is internationally recognized for his studies on the nature,
assessment, and treatment of ADHD and related disorders. He has authored, co-authored, or co-edited 13
books and clinical manuals numbering 23 editions and published more than 230 scientific articles and
book chapters on these topics. His most recent books are ADHD in Adults: What the Science Says (2008),
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment (3rd ed., 2006), and
Your Defiant Teen (2008). Dr. Barkley is also the editor of the bimonthly clinical newsletter, The ADHD
Report. He has presented more than 600 invited addresses internationally and appeared on the nationally
televised 60 Minutes, the Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS Sunday Morning, CNN, and many
other programs on behalf of those with ADHD. In 1996, he was awarded the C. Anderson Aldrich Award
from the American Academy of Pediatrics for his research career in child development. In addition, he has
received several awards from the American Psychological Association for his contributions to research in
ADHD, to clinical practice, and for the dissemination of science.
Presentation Abstracts
Life Course Outcomes of ADHD: Treatment Implications (4 pm)
This presentation is drawn from Dr. Barkley’s new book on ADHD in Adults: What the Science
Tells Us (2008), in which he describes the results of his large study of ADHD children followed to
young adulthood. New findings from this study will be presented along with those of other follow-up
studies concerning the impact of ADHD on various major life activities. These include risk for
psychiatric disorders, educational functioning, occupational functioning, financial management,
driving, social relationships, risky sexual activities, and health behavior. He will also discuss the
treatment implications that arise from these findings for each of these domains of impairment.
Advances in Understanding the Nature, Causes, and Treatment of ADHD (6 pm)
This presentation provides up-to-date information on the most recent advances in understanding
the nature of ADHD and its specific symptoms. It will include information of the most useful means
of subtyping ADHD, along with the emerging conclusion that one form of the inattentive type may
constitute a new disorder. Dr. Barkley reviews the various causes of ADHD including the latest
findings from genetics and neuroimaging. A new theory of ADHD will also be discussed that
represents the disorder as one involving self-control and the brain’s executive system. The
implications of the theory for understanding and managing ADHD will be discussed along with recent
advances in treatments for the disorder.