Adult ADD Factbook - The Truth about Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Updated June 2013

by Ron Sterling

The mission of "Adult ADD Factbook -- The Truth About Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Updated June 2013," by Ron Sterling, M.D., is to provide you with latest and best information about Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (Adult ADD). This 5th Edition updates the 4th Edition which was published in December 2011. It is Dr. Sterling's mission to update this book frequently to reflect the latest scientific understanding of ADD The 2011 edition and Dr. Sterling's Adult ADD website have allowed thousands of readers to find a new and much better understanding of both the downside and the upside of the ADD brain. The 5th Edition (1) introduces the term Threat Monitor Center as a more accurate phrase than "Emotional Brain"; (2) contains a comprehensive discussion of the concerns of the New York Times (and others) about the "skyrocketing" diagnosis of ADD; (3) discusses the terms "asymptomatic" and "symptomatic" as they relate to ADD; and, (4) updates several sections of the 4th Edition based on new research findings. The book's greatest strength is in its ability to arrive at a balance between scientific truth (which requires some technical and scientific language) and user-friendliness. Adult ADD Factbook uses language and concepts that are easy to understand and remember, without dumbing down the very important scientific findings about the upside and the downside of the ADD brain. This ground-breaking book is written as much for non-ADDers as it is for ADDers. It will help you understand how the current narrow definition and the stigma related to ADD clearly subvert a true estimate of the prevalence of ADD and of many other sub-optimal dopamine conditions in the Western Hemisphere. ADD is the current poster child for a large number of such dopamine deficiency conditions that are significantly responsible for "nicotinism," alcoholism, obesity, many eating disorders, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and the over-use of marijuana, cocaine, illicit methamphetamine, and opioids, not to mention dysfunctional gambling, over-spending, and impulse-control problems of many types. This 283-page Factbook is comprehensively sourced and end-noted (more than 900 citations). Dr. Sterling connects the dots like no other author has yet connected them. For those who have been dealing with the challenges of undiagnosed ADD or have not been able to find authoritative information on ADD, this Factbook will turn the lights on for you.

Genres: Psychology, Self Help, Health

286 pages, Paperback

First published July 17, 2011

Reviews

[Yujeong Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly enticing book as the material is scientific based and generalizable. There was a lot of information I did not know about the current diagnosis and prognosis pertaining to therapy, medication, and other viable solutions. This book also had me question my ADHD symptoms, do I really have it? It is tough because as expected, I do not resonate with some of the symptoms of ADD, however, three are still symptoms that I have experienced continually throughout my life such as impulsive speaking and "being driven by a motor." I also wonder the risks of Adderall as there seems to be a gap in that treatment as opposed to Ritalin.

This book definitely got me to appreciate and understand the diagnosis of ADD in a more compassionate lens, as these people genuinely struggle to remain productive not because they don't want to but because their brain creates that barrier, making timely mistakes a genuine challenge that others may find easy.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overly repetitive and often struck me as "if the only tool you have is a hammer" - he seems to relate the kitchen sink to ADD.

That said, I find merit in his core ADD hypothesis and treatment philosophies. I could just have done with a much shorter, more focused book, but maybe that's my ADD talking.

[Marc Strozyk · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had no structure. Was poorly laid out and assumed the reader was fluent in doctor speak. Regardless it did have some good information and some interesting ideas. It also is much shorter than advertised. Almost 70 pages or so was footnotes.