Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #985 in Books
• Published on: 1995-03-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 336 pages

Amazon.com
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.

From AudioFile
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is one explanation for achievement frustration, and it's a syndrome that's become more obvious now that rigid authority structures have been replaced by open organizations, free agency, and a dizzying array of personal options. In this environment ADD sufferers are coming out of the woodwork. The authors argue convincingly that distractibility, low frustration tolerance, and disorganization can be managed as a neurological problem, rather than judging or blaming yourself. Living within your means, creating external structure, and developing compensatory habits are a small part of the advice, which is delivered with clarity and compassion for the frustration ADD people carry with them each day. T.W. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

The ADHD bible
Having had ADHD since birth and as a recovering alcholic, I found this books to answer the many questions that I had regarding the disease. I was always a self-medicator and that turns out to be a classic symptom of ADHD. Five years and no drugs or alcohol!

Illumination - first step to healing
I am an MD and knew for years I did not think like other people-in fact it was extremely difficult to think at all. Getting through med school was tough; I studied constantly and would read and re-read the weighty textbooks; still only "average" among my classmates, after a stellar (and very structured) high school and college performance.

Every page of this book had an "aha" moment for me, brought me to tears numerous times when I saw how comparable my suffering was with the Hallowell patients. Knowledge of this malady alone has helped tremendously.

Driven to Distraction
A well written book which listed case studies but did not fulfill my expectation with assistance for solutions to this problem of ADHA.