Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood - Softcover

Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.; John J. Ratey, M.D.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0679421777 ISBN 13: 9780679421771

Publisher: Pantheon, 1994

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.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

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.

Reviews

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.

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. Virginia Dwyer

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pantheon
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0679421777
• ISBN 13: 9780679421771
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 319