ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
Driven to
Distraction
Recognizing and
Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through
Adulthood
by Edward M.. Hallowell, M.D, John J. Ratey,
M.D.
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Reviews and Commentary for
Driven to Distraction: Recognizing
and Coping With Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through
Adulthood
Have you read this book? Write
an online review and share your thoughts with other readers.
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
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
ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
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
ADD / ADHD / Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder
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.
Go to Amazon.com to order Driven to Distraction
HARDCOVER
-- PAPERBACK
-- AUDIOCASSETTE
- Table of Contents
- Preface: A Personal Perspective
- What Is Attention Deficit Disorder?
- "I Sang in My Chains Like the Sea": The Child with ADD
- "Sequence Ravelled Out of Sound": Adult ADD
- Living and Loving with ADD: ADD in Couples
- The Big Struggle: ADD and the Family
- Parts of the Elephant: Subtypes of ADD
- How Do I Know if I Have It? The Steps Toward Diagnosis
- What Can You Do About It? The Treatment of ADD
- A Local Habitation and a Name: The Biology of ADD
- Acknowledgments
- Appendix: Where to Find Help
- Index
ADD / ADHD / Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
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Driven to Distraction
HARDCOVER
-- PAPERBACK
-- AUDIOCASSETTE
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