Driven to Distraction
Recognizing and Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
by John J. Ratey, M.D., Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.

ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

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1 Ed, Hardcover, 319 pages
Published by Pantheon Books, Publication date: March 1, 1994, ISBN: 0679421777

ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder


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Reprint Edition, Paperback, 319 pages
Published by Simon & Schuster (Paper), Publication date: March 1, 1995, ISBN: 0684801280

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ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder


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Audio Cassette (2 cassettes), Published by Simon & Schuster (Audio), Publication date: March 1, 1995
Dimensions (in inches): 7.05 x 4.53 x 0.84, ISBN: 067189983X

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ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder


Reviews and Commentary for Driven to Distraction/Recognizing and Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
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ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

From Booklist , 02/15/94:

ADD is an unfamiliar acronym for a disorder with symptoms so common that their identification as a distinct mental function syndrome is recent. Driven to Distraction informs and elaborates on what is formally called Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children but is also recognized and treated as an adult disorder. The authors display a detailed, reassuring familiarity with its many expressions, from daydreaming to out-of-control behavior, forgetfulness, and compulsiveness. Revealing characteristics in adult examples distinguish ADD from other diagnoses; and childhood ADD is described with convincing optimism. Ranging among pharmacology, neurology, biology, and clinical findings and personal and professional experience with much practical assistance, this is an absorbing look at current efforts to understand troubling and exasperating behaviors.

Copyright© 1994, American Library Association. All rights reserved

From Kirkus Reviews , 01/01/94:

A thorough examination of the hot new psychological syndrome, attention disorder deficit (ADD), formerly called hyperactivity and now believed to be neurological in origin, by two Harvard Medical School psychiatrists who have adult-diagnosed ADD themselves. According to Hallowell and Ratey, about 15 million Americans suffer from ADD. Symptoms include high activity, distractibility, daydreaming, impulsiveness, failure to complete anything from homework to a Ph.D., and language problems (ADD often coexists with learning disabilities such as dyslexia). The repercussions: children are often called stupid and lazy by parents and teachers; adults lose jobs, fail to achieve goals, and their relationships founder. Actually, many ADD sufferers have very high IQs, and the disorder, as the numerous adult-and-child case studies here show, cuts across all socioeconomic strata. Treatment combines psychotherapy and behavior modification, a ``coaching'' that encourages and reminds the patient, and drugs--85% of adults, the authors say, benefit from medication. Stimulants, such as Ritalin and Dexedrine, work on some, and desipramine antidepressants- -generally Norpramine--on others. Halowell and Ratey warn that a few children have suddenly died while on Norpramine. Because of the current tendency to medicate, they also stress that the diagnosis be rigorously made to avoid mistakes. To their credit, the doctors have gotten many patients back on track--and out of therapy--in a year. They stress independence, not reliance on one's therapist. A very responsible study for the layperson. According to the authors, the positive aspect of ADD--high creativity--should prevent stigma being attached to this highly treatable condition. -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Reader Comments:

A reader from Philippines , October 2, 1998 (5 out of 5 stars)
A necessity. It's the Bible of ADD.

I am one of those beset by troubles with myself that I couldn't understand. Soon I learned of ADD and of Driven to Distraction. THE BOOK HIT THE NAIL RIGHT ON THE HEAD!

Driven to Distraction is an excellent introduction to those who have no knowledge of ADD, but have found out about it want to know more about it and everything about it. Want to know ADD? Start with this book. No other researcher has collected more pertinent data and given to ordinary people in their language than Drs. Hallowell and Ratey. Truly, this book is the Bible of ADD life. Coupled with Answers to Distraction, one could consider himself well-equipped to face the world where ADD is a terrible stigma.

I'm from the Philippines and here ADD is still known as a kid's disease and named MBD (Minimal Brain Dysfunction). NO ONE knows about ADD here, and if only this book were read by more psychologists in this country, the problems would certainly be more alleviated. My hat off to Drs. Hallowell and Ratey for such a helpful, life-changing book. God bless! --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

A reader from Chicago, IL , September 27, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
Gives new meaning to "We Are Not Alone"

This superbly compiled work was actually used by an M.D. as a substantial part of the dignostic process in evaluating possible ADD syndrome. Having read many self-help books trying to deal with personal trials and foibles, this book HIT HOME! Written by two psychologists who personally experience the frustrations of living with adult ADD, this title made for compelling reading. Imagine finding a description of yourself on every other page!!?? Concise, but personable case studies reveal numerous commonalities amongst ADDers. Rounded out with a detailed history of the discovery of ADD, the research pioneers, treatment plans, hope for the future, and a well thought out section on Resources, including support groups, newsletters, etc. Just Read It! --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

A reader from South Carolina , September 18, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
best add book I've read recently;

I've read lots of books about ADD; Mr. Hallowell writes an easy to read and understand book; as a parent, I find that he provides some good, concise information; I've personally recommended this book to a number of people; loaned them a copy and they've gone out and bought their own. That's a recommendation in itself. --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

 

A reader from US , July 31, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
Helped me, help me

I am an adult ADHD sufferer. This book was recommended by a doctor/friend of mine - it is great. It gives examples of real people with ADD and ADHD and what they do, that characterize the ADD symptoms. As I read the book, I realized that I could replace my name with the person they would talking about. It helped me to realize that some of the things I do, are not that I am stupid, but are just due to my lack of focus and "need for speed" in they way my life runs. Because of this book I was able to get medicated to help my focus and have recommended it to many others seeking the answer. --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

 

A reader from New York, New York , July 29, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
This is a good book

I started to read this book two years ago, but I could never get past the first few chapters. I'd put it down and pick it up again, over and over. Then one day I read the last chapter. Took a walk came home and read the book cover to cover in one night. I recommend this hit because now I'm cured. --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

taxman42@hotmail.com from Santa Clarita, CA , May 31, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
This book helped change my life - Fantastic Book!

2 years ago, I was diagnosed with Adult ADD, and this book helped to understand that I am not the only one with this problem. It provided me with a complete understanding of what Adult ADD is, and that medication is only a partial treatment for dealing with this problem.

 

A reader from good old USA , May 30, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
excellent source for information

A friend loaned me this book in hardcover, and I read the introduction, gave it back to her immediately and went out and bought my own copy. I wanted to underline like crazy, and didn't want to mark her book!

I was labeled a "space cadet" and "lazy" all through elementary school. I knew I was smart, but just couldn't complete ANYTHING. When as a mother, I searched to discover why my son was not succeeding in school, I learned about Attention Deficit Disorder.

I count it a family victory to finally know what the heck was going on with me,my son, and my over 70 year old father.

This book is an excellent resource for learning you are not alone, that there are strategies that can assist with coping, and then you can show the world how brilliant you really are! Hurray, for John Ratey and Ned Hallowell.

Maggie in Maryland --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

 ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A reader from Princeton NJ , March 6, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
A superbly balanced and rigorous text for all readers

Whether lay public or professionals in the field, this is the best book you'll find on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). I treat patients who have ADD; many come bearing a well-marked copy of this book to say they've found themselves in it. To the others, I routinely recommend they read it before we finalize the diagnosis or decide on treatment. The tone throughout is rigorously scientific yet informal, relatively free of jargon, approachable by anyone with a high school education, and very supportive to the sufferer without being patronizing. It contains no propaganda, a rare virtue in books about ADD. Although written by physicians (who themselves are sufferers), it does not shill for medication management at the expense of alternative treatments that have been scientifically validated as effective. This is the ideal book for sufferers and their families, for teachers and those who evaluate the learning problems of children and adults, and for all health care providers. For those who find it hard to read, another book by these authors, Answers to Distraction, is written in an easier, sound bite format. Both books are available on audiotape, often the best way for the ADDers to "read".

—Phil Torrance MD (Diplomate in Psychiatry) --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

A reader from Massachusettes , January 20, 1998 (5 stars out of 5)
A wonderful resource

I wanted to get this book for weeks before someone finally picked it up for me. Of course this is also one of the signs of ADD, procrastination. It is well written and easy to follow. I definitely reccomend it. --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

A reader from Denver, CO , December 22, 1997 (5 stars out of 5)
An must read for anyone with ADD

I am a 23 year old college who has ADD and this is one of the best books I have ever read. I found out I had ADD 2 years ago, and then found that most people knew very little about it. Even my doctor had little knowledge of what it is really like to live with this disorder every day. The author himself has ADD, and can accurately relate what it is like.

I found this book to be insightful, funny, and very informative. I was so absorbed in this book, I found myself reading 100+ pages in one sitting. When I was done reading, I was dismayed that there was no more to read.

Thanks to this book, I now have a better grasp on my disorder, and know about it than my doctor. --This text refers to the paperback edition of this title

  

Synopsis:

Millions of children and adults tell themselves or are told by others to stop procrastinating, start concentrating, sit still, finish what they started, and get organized. But what appears to be a matter of self-discipline is for many a neurological problem. Now two doctors reveal the impact precise diagnosis and treatment can have.

Balance Check's Notes:

This is considered by many (me included) to be "the" book to read about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is useful for parents of ADD kids as well as ADD adults. Listed as an essential book by Bob Seay on the Mining Company ADD site.

 

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 ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Table of Contents
Preface: A Personal Perspective
  1. What Is Attention Deficit Disorder?
  2. "I Sang in My Chains Like the Sea": The Child with ADD
  3. "Sequence Ravelled Out of Sound": Adult ADD
  4. Living and Loving with ADD: ADD in Couples
  5. The Big Struggle: ADD and the Family
  6. Parts of the Elephant: Subtypes of ADD
  7. How Do I Know if I Have It? The Steps Toward Diagnosis
  8. What Can You Do About It? The Treatment of ADD
  9. A Local Habitation and a Name: The Biology of ADD
Acknowledgments
Appendix: Where to Find Help
Index
 

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 ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

 

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ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder