Straightforward, practical advice for taking control of the symptoms, minimizing the disabilities, and maximizing the advantages of adult ADD. There is a great deal of literature about children with attention deficit disorder, ADD. But what do you do if you have ADD and aren't a child anymore? You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! focuses on the experiences of adults, offering accurate information, practical how-tos and moral support to help readers deal with ADD. It explains the diagnostic process that distinguishes ADD symptoms from normal lapses in memory, lack of concentration or impulsive behavior, and it addresses: * Achieving balance by analyzing one's strengths and weaknesses * Getting along in groups, at work and in intimate and family relationships -- including how to decrease discord and chaos * Learning the mechanics and methods for getting organized and improving memory * Seeking professional help, including therapy and medication Widely used by support groups around the country, You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy?! is the indispensable reference for anyone who faces the challenge of ADD on a daily basis.
Kate Kelly is a master's prepared clinical specialist in psychiatric nursing. Her professional background includes experience as as a therapist, assistant professor and clinical coordinator for psychobiological research. Her graduate education focused on chronic mental illness, and this orientation eventually led her to an interest in the mental health self-help movement. She became a champion for individuals with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, believing that even those with severe impairments could learn to manage their own illnesses.
Ms. Kelly's prior publishing credits include an article entitled Fostering Self-Help on an Inpatient Unit, published in the Archives of Psychiatric Nursing. This article chronicled the results of her work in developing a model for an inpatient group that helped chronically mentally ill patients learn and share effective coping strategies.
Following her diagnosis with ADHD in 1989, Ms. Kelly's work moved in a new direction. Combining her personal and professional interests in adult ADD, she began to focus on this emerging area of mental health. Responding to the need to provide services for ADD adults, she founded the adult support group of the Attention Deficit Disorder Council of Greater Cincinnati in February of 1990. Although she no longer facilitates this group, she continues to consult with the Council on adult ADD and support group issues.
The information Ms. Kelly gathered from available literature and the personal stories of ADD adults in Cincinnati and nationwide lead to her work in writing I'm Not Lazy, Stupid or Crazy!? Currently she is using her personal and professional experiences and knowledge to give presentations on adult ADD for lay and professional groups. She also works in private practice leading psychoeducational therapy groups for ADD adults.
