Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
- Book Review,
by Edward M. Hallowell
Amazon.com
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
From Library Journal
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.
From AudioFile
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is one explanation for achievement frustration, and it's a syndrome that's become more obvious now that rigid authority structures have been replaced by open organizations, free agency, and a dizzying array of personal options. In this environment ADD sufferers are coming out of the woodwork. The authors argue convincingly that distractibility, low frustration tolerance, and disorganization can be managed as a neurological problem, rather than judging or blaming yourself. Living within your means, creating external structure, and developing compensatory habits are a small part of the advice, which is delivered with clarity and compassion for the frustration ADD people carry with them each day. T.W. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
From Booklist
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
From Kirkus 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.
Review
Priscilla L. Vail author of Smart Kids with School Problems The highest order of helping and healing glows through this book. Informative, compassionate, practical, and -- yes -- funny, it draws the reader in as it throws confusion out.
Book Description
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.
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