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

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

ISBN 10: 0743529006 ISBN 13: 9780743529006

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio, 2003

Synopsis

THE NATIONAL AUDIO BESTSELLER
Procrastination. Disorganization. Distractibility. Millions of adults have long considered these the hallmarks of a lack of self-discipline. But for many, these and other problems in school, at work and in social relationships are actually symptoms of an inborn neurological problem: ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder.
Through vivid stories of the experiences of their patients -- both adults and children -- Dr. Edward R. Hallowell and Dr. John J. 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 is a must listen for everyone intrigued by the workings of the human mind.

About this title

Review

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

About the Author

Edward M. Hallowell, MD, is the founder of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Healt and was a senior lecturer at Harvard Medical School. A world-renowned ADHD expert, is the New York Times bestselling author of over ten books, including Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction. He has made appearances on The Dr. Oz Show, Today, and many other programs. He lives in Massachusetts. Find out more at DrHallowell.com.

Edward M. Hallowell, MD, is the founder of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Healt and was a senior lecturer at Harvard Medical School. A world-renowned ADHD expert, is the New York Times bestselling author of over ten books, including Driven to Distraction and Delivered from Distraction. He has made appearances on The Dr. Oz Show, Today, and many other programs. He lives in Massachusetts. Find out more at DrHallowell.com.

Edition details

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0743529006
• ISBN 13: 9780743529006
• Binding: Audio CD
• Language: English