Through vivid stories of the experiences of their patients (both adults and children), Drs. Hallowell and Ratey show the varied forms ADD takes -- from the hyperactive search for high stimulation to the floating inattention of daydreaming -- and the transforming impact of precise diagnosis and treatment.
Driven to Distraction
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This clear and valuable book dispels a variety of myths about attention deficit disorder (ADD). Since both authors have ADD themselves, and both are successful medical professionals, perhaps there's no surprise that the two myths they attack most persistently are: (a) that ADD is an issue only for children; and (b) that ADD corresponds simply to limited intelligence or limited self-discipline. "The word disorder puts the syndrome entirely in the domain of pathology, where it should not entirely be. Although ADD can generate a host of problems, there are also advantages to having it, advantages that this book will stress, such as high energy, intuitiveness, creativity, and enthusiasm, and they are completely overlooked by the 'disorder' model." The authors go on to cite Mozart and Einstein as examples of probable ADD sufferers. (The problem as they see it is not so much attention deficit but attention inconsistency: "Most of us with ADD can in fact hyperfocus at times.") Although they warn against overdiagnosis, they also do a convincing job of answering the criticism that "everybody, and therefore nobody" has ADD. Using numerous case studies and a discussion of the way ADD intersects with other conditions (e.g., depression, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), they paint a concrete picture of the syndrome's realities. Especially helpful are the lists of tips for dealing with ADD in a child, a partner, or a family member. --Richard Farr
From Library Journal
Hallowell and Ratey offer a fine addition to literature on ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). The authors employ a broad, general definition of ADD ("high-energy, action-oriented, bottom-line, gotta-run-type people") and continually emphasize the special, positive qualities of people with ADD. They describe how ADD affects adults--many Americans mistakenly think of it as a childhood curse--and explain how the American temperament helps create ADD-like symptoms. Best of all are the stories and case studies of myriad folks who have dealt successfully with their diagnosis. A state-by-state list of support groups are included in this excellent approach to an intriguing subject.
- Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
- Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, Pa.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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First Sentence
Once you catch on to what this syndrome is all about, you'll see it everywhere. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Once you catch on to what this syndrome is all about, you'll see it everywhere. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I have had problems all my life, some described in this book and some described by the other people who wrote a review of this book. My wife and I were attending marriage counseling because of my short temper. After a few sessions our therapist said she thought I had ADD which I quickly dismissed even though my younder brother was diagnosed with ADD early in his life. After a few more years of trying to convince me, after trying all kinds of self help, after attending anger management classes, our therapist finally recommended this book. I read parts and reread parts and reread parts (others with ADD will understand this) and finally, I got to the "test" in the back of the book. 100 yes/no questions, the more yes answers the more likely you are to have ADD. I took it and after restarting 4 or 5 times finally finished the test with a score of 80. For a baseline I had my wife take it. She scored 18. Not a diagnosis but enough for me to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Almost 2 years later I am taking ADD medication and my temper is gone, my work productivity and my ability to complete projects has greatly improved. And most importantly I and my family have a new outlook on life. Everyone is happier, especially me.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By MICHAEL
Format:Paperback
Less than a year ago, having been diagnosed as being bipolar(3 years ago), my pychiatrist suggested to read this book titled "driven to distraction" (seeing how I have only read maybe 5 complete books in my life). I have had personal trouble with my wife and daughter over the years saying what ever came to mind not taking into account the persons feeling etc. and not realizing why I did the things I did. The first thing was a chill going through my entire body and tears of joy, sadness, and anger with racing thoughts persisting after reading and completing this book, I realized why I did and said the things I did as anyone with ADHD can relate. After finding out for myself being add, I now know my father and mother have the symtoms of add. I hope commenting has helped others with similar situations because knowing what I now know today has changed my life.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
This should be considered a must-read for those that have ADHD. A strong overview of everything you should know once you've been diagnosed. The chapter on family dynamics was eerily accurate. Not a lot of the book focuses in depth coping mechanisms or where to go beyond diagnosis, but what an awesome place to start. I've already recommended it to others and just finished it today.
Compassionate, educational, and thorough examination of ADHD. I can't recommend it more highly!
Compassionate, educational, and thorough examination of ADHD. I can't recommend it more highly!
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4.6 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exellent education on ADD
This is an exellent book for anyone who needs to educate themselves on the subject of Attention Deficit Disorder. Read more
Published 15 months ago by jellopop1
5.0 out of 5 stars
great seller, great product!
This was a great buy. Very cheap and in great shape, just as described by the seller and shipped pretty fast. Thanks!
Published 20 months ago by IllyS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Driven to Distraction.
I loved this book from the intro. I am beginning to understand a whole different personality that affects many people I know and love. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Suzanne
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Place to Start
I spent many hours in Chapters reviewing books on ADD/ADHD after my son was diagnosed trying to find a book that wasn't technical definitions or explicit descriptions of the hows... Read more
Published on Jan 20 2011 by Tikkin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Driven to Distraction
This book is very current and covers everything someone with ADHD or who is dealing with a family member with ADHD would want or need to know. Dr. Read more
Published on Dec 3 2010 by KCC
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Informative
I read this book almost ten years ago when someone told me that they thought my son had ADD. We went to a doctor about and she gave him two choices; take Dexadrine or try to treat... Read more
Published on Mar 11 2010 by D. daSilva
5.0 out of 5 stars
The ONE & ONLY BOOK you need to read on the subject!
After finding out that my youngest son had ADHD, I picked up this book and started reading. It was almost like looking into a mirror that showed my life: Further, it described many... Read more
Published on Jun 22 2004 by Alesia
1.0 out of 5 stars
Flowery nonsense
If you've already been down the typical path with your child, namely: (1) Child has a problem in school, (2) Child fidgets in front of school "psychologist," (3) Referred... Read more
Published on Jun 12 2004 by Neil Gibson
5.0 out of 5 stars
I wish I'd read this years ago!
Whether you have ADD or know someone who has, reading this book is a must.
The stories about fellow ADD'ers were fantastic, the summary of research into biological causes of ADD... Read more
Published on Feb 19 2004 by T. Dorscher
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great, Great Book!
I found out that I had A.D.D between my freshman and sophmore year in high school. My entire freshman year was a screaming match between me and my teachers, and me and my parents. Read more
Published on Jan 28 2004 by Scott
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