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

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

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.

Genres: Adhd, Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help, Mental Health, Parenting, Health

319 pages, Paperback

First published August 5, 1992

About the author

Edward (Ned) Hallowell, M.D., is a child and adult psychiatrist, a NY Times bestselling author, a world-renowned speaker and a leading authority in the field of ADHD. He has authored twenty books including the 1994 ground-breaking New York Times best-seller on ADHD, Driven to Distraction. In aggregate, Dr. Hallowell's books have sold more than 2 million copies on various psychological topics including how to: raise children into happy adults, manage worry, develop focus, forgiveness, connecting on a deeper level and how to inspire the best from employees. His most recent book was his Memoir, Because I Come From A Crazy Family The Making Of A Psychiatrist. His next book, ADHD 2.0 releases on January 12, 2021. Pre-order your copy today.

He is the host of “Distraction,” a weekly podcast that offers insights, strategies and tactics for coping and thriving in this crazy-busy, 24/7 over-connected modern world.

Reviews

[Johnny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I have always joked with my students that I must be borderline ADD, I would never have diagnosed myself as actually suffering from the disorder. I even fostered a child with ADHD, diagnosed and medicated, such that I was aware of the problem, but never thought that I really had the condition. Even when I started reading Driven to Distraction, I was reading it to become more familiar with what someone else was going through (actually, what several people I know and care about were going through) than reading it for myself. One of those people had said, "I think you have ADD yourself" and gave me this book. But I still thought I was reading for someone else.

Yet, as I read the case studies, I began to think this psychiatrist had been "reading my mail." I was brought to tears on several occasions as the patients expressed feelings with which I had lived my entire life and accused themselves of the same psychological crimes that I had accused myself of whenever I stopped long enough to evaluate my life. They perceived themselves as lazy, undisciplined, irresponsible, and undependable--all charges leveled against myself by myself, all charges that occasionally lay me mentally low into nasty, inexplicable depression. Even at those low points, I blamed myself. I accused myself of self-indulgence and diagnosed myself as lacking in spiritual faith.

And then, I read this list:

Diagnostic Criteria for Adult ADD
1) sense of underachievement
2) difficulty getting organized
3) chronic procrastination
4) too many projects – trouble with follow-through (p. 73)
5) saying what one thinks without self-censorship
6) frequent search for high stimulation
7) intolerance of boredom
8) easy distractibility, focus problems
9) often creative, intelligent
10) trouble with PROCESS – established procedures (p. 74)
11) impatient, low tolerance for frustration (p. 75)
12) impulsive, both verbally and actively
13) worries needlessly
14) insecure
15) mood swings
16) restlessness (p. 75)
17) tendency toward addictive behavior (p. 76)
18) chronic self-esteem problems
19) inaccurate self-observation
20) family history of ADD.
I had to answer "Yes" to 19 of the 20.

A few pages later, he described a successful, but unhappy professional as having a study littered with piles. Had he been peeking at my study and my basement work space? “So many adults with ADD have piles, little mess-piles, big mess-piles, piles everywhere. They are like a by-product of the brain’s work.” (p. 80) Yet a few pages later was a description of a minister who described a cloud—a feeling that her personal world was about to collapse “Sort of like a cartoon character who’s run out over the cliff and his legs are still pumping, but he’s only standing on air and he’s about to fall a long, long way down. … I ascribe my success to the grace of God, but I’m still left with this feeling that it could all be taken away.” (p. 83) How often have I been there?

I always feel like I've wasted opportunities, blown chances, irresponsibly cadged together inadequate work just before deadlines, and more. I've always blamed myself. And now, I realize that there is a reason. In fact, not only is there a reason, but there is much that can be done about it. The best part of this book is that it isn't trying to pre-diagnose people and pre-dispose them toward medication. Most of the book is about what can be done without medication. That's a relief to me. Approaching 61, I realize that it's probably too late for me to do more than live with the problem. However, it was also nice to realize that some of what I've done that works for me is what this psychiatrist (who also suffers from the disorder) recommends.

1) Support group
2) Rid self of negativity (largely self-imposed) (p. 98)
3) Use lists, reminders, files, rituals as structure
4) Use O.H.I.O. (only handle it once) for paperwork
5) Make deadlines
6) Do what you’re good at, instead of spending all of your time trying to get good at what you’re bad at
7) Understand mood changes and how to manage
8) EXPECT depression after success
9) Learn to advocate for yourself
10) Learn to joke with yourself and others about your symptoms (p. 99)
[NOTE: This is the short list. He offers 50 tips on pp. 245-253 from which I've chosen other methods to work with my problem.]

I also appreciate his quick mnemonic of tips for coaches/therapists working with ADD sufferers:

Tips for the Coach:
H – Help – Ask the person you are coaching, what kind of help do you need?
O – Obligations – Ask specifically what obligations are upcoming and what the person is doing to prepare for them (If you don’t ask, the individual may forget to tell you.)
P – Plans – Ask about ongoing plans. It is very helpful to remind people with ADD of their goals.
E – Encouragement – The most fun part of the coach’s job is to be affirmative in this battle against chaos and negativity (p. 227). He also notes that the coach/therapist may have to act as a “distraction censor” (p. 230).

This book is informative, helpful, and, for me, timely. I look forward to reading his updated version, Deliverance from Distraction and implementing some of these ideas.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still reading, but so far, it's been fantastic for me to recognize why my parents had such a difficult time with me. It's SO therapeutic to read accounts of how ADD(/ADHD) has affected others' lives--those who have it and those around them--and it's quite refreshing to discover the positive aspects of ADD, as well as what things help an ADD child/adult to thrive.

I've been given so many conflicting labels: helpful, defiant, cheerful, irritable, brilliant, stupid, patient, reactive, enthusiastic, unmotivated, etc. Talk about confusing! Well, kids typically come to believe those who speak the loudest and the most. So, naturally, through my parents and teachers and brothers' frustrated reactions to me, I came to believe mostly the negative things. (Lucky for me, my husband has got to be among the top 100 most patient, understanding men in the world; I knew going into our marriage that our relationship probably wouldn't survive if that had not been the case!) Can you see how this book would be so beneficial to me?

I highly recommend it to anyone with ADD or anyone who interacts frequently with someone who has ADD. However, be sure to follow it up by reading the next book written by Edward Hallowell: Delivered from Distraction, which offers a hopeful view of how to thrive with ADD. And, after that, read The ADHD Effects on Marriage--essential to keeping your closest relationship not only intact but flourishing.

[Erica Tjelta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried. And this is the unexaggerated truth.

How crazy to read something that so perfectly relates your own narrative? Creepy almost. At times it was as though the author had secretly followed me around for forty years--recording various episodes of my life. Actually, this book was a rather intense experience for me.

Written from the perspective only a seasoned "insider" (the author himself has ADHD and is also a licensed therapist who has helped countless others with their "disorder") can provide; this book is amazing.

If you've heard of ADD/ADHD (and who hasn't) but don't truly understand what it is, and how it actually effects a person, (and how many do?) you should read this. And, if you've wondered, even if only half-heartedly, if you yourself might *have* ADHD you simply MUST read this.

A fantastic explanation of what ADHD is, how it looks, how it feels, and how it manifests--the book helps liberate the afflicted from layers of self-loathing and enlighten the frustrated folks around them as to what's really going on.

This is not so much a "how to" book or a "solution" book as much as a "what is it" book--but I found lots of help simply in gaining this understanding. For those seeking more pointed answers I would recommend two other books by the same author: "Delivered From Distraction" and "Answers to Distraction"

[Elizabeth (Plant Based Bride) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meandering, plodding, and verbose - three qualities that send those of us with ADHD running and screaming. A book about ADHD that is in no way ADHD-friendly.

I do, however, believe that teachers and mental health professionals could gain valuable insight from Hallowell and Ratey.


Video review of four popular books on ADHD: https://youtu.be/O5i0b9CcpeU


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[Noah · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2 stars*

TLDR:
Driven to distraction has a lot information, useful tips, and is somewhat relatable. The science about adhd is quite dated though (as is the cis-heteronormativity). While it had many useful insights, it focussed primarily on hyperactive men and the problems they face, and only touched briefly upon adhd in women, or less impulisve and less stereotypical manifestations of the disorder. Still worth reading since it is very informative and well written, but if you don't recognize yourself in it, that's probably why.

REVIEW:
When I started looking for books on adhd after being newly diagnosed, this book was the first on a lot of lists; described by many as 'the adhd-bible'. So naturally I decided to pick it up. I found a lot of interesting information in this book, and a lot of useful tips, especially in chapter 8. I do have some notes, however, which I will address later on.

What Driven to Distraction does well is explain what adhd is on a fundamental level, how it is more than simply distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and what problems people commonly face as a result of untreated adhd. (When it comes to how adhd presents and how people cope, however, the author primarily focusses on hyperactive men.. which I'll discuss more later.)
For example, while I knew people with adhd experience hyperfocus, I never realized you can also hyperfocus on negative thoughts/emotions, often leading to anxiety like symptoms and excessive worrying. (Or hyperfocus on harmful habits, increasing the risk of addiction)
The author also explains how living with undiagnosed adhd can cause low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety, because many people with adhd are treated like failures by society.
I would, however, have like to read more about emotional dysregulation, which is very common in people with adhd, and often happens at a biological level rather than a psychological one.

Most of the chapters are structured around case studies of particular clients the author has seen. While those were well written and intriguing, they were very one-sided: they usually focussed on the hyperactive, disruptive, impulsive high-stimulation seeking boy or man. This is of course a common manifestation of adhd and deserves it's place in the book; it is, however, by far not the only one. The author does stress this continually, stating how adhd often looks different in women, doesn't require hyperactivity, can be masked by anxiety or compulsive behaviours; however, he barely illustrates this, only using a case study or two, and hardly elaborating on these less stereotypical manifestations of the disorder. This is especially true in the chapters on relationships, family and children. (The chapter on types of adhd goes into some detail about this, but only briefly, and that's about it.)

I get of course that this book was published in the 90's, and that it was incredibly revolutionary at the time; it showed people that disruptive, impulsive, inattentive behaviour is not necessarily due to a character flaw or lack of discipline, but due to a neurological condition that can be treated quite effectively.
And while I did find a great deal of recognition and some new information in this book (although the chapter on science is quite dated; for information about the biology of adhd this book is not great) , I didn't find it to be quite the "adhd bible" people described it as. I get that for some with the more (stereo)typical form of adhd this book can be a life-changer.
I do think it's a good book to have read if you're interested in learning about adhd, it has definitely broadened my understanding of it; it should just not be the only book. (I wonder if delivered from distraction, a more recent book by the same authors, might be better.)

One last thing that bothered me was the author's continual uses of 'he or she', and the heteronormativity in the chapters on relationships and family. (I don't think it has ever occurred to the author that queer relationships exist).
Then again, this book was written in the 90's, but I'm sure there are more inclusive and more current books out there.

If I find alternatives I will list them here.

[Rob Voss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a turning point for me in my life, I was diagnosed with A.D.D. way back in elementary school, but my parents at the time didn't think medication was a good option. As I developed and grew from childhood to adulthood I adapted and adjusted as best I could to the underlying ADD problem. The problem is, is that there is only so much you can do. After reading this book I came to the conclusion that I needed to finally go ahead as an adult and get officially diagnosed with Adult A.D.D. and try a medication option, I figured since I had been living with it my entire life anyway, it couldn't hurt to try this.

That was the best decision I have made in my entire adult life, once I worked up the courage to finally schedule an appointment with a therapist I found the right dosage of medication I needed. I was opened to a new world of concentration and focus that was simply unheard of before for me.

My professional life has improved a ton, and my personal life has improved as well. From here I just need to take the improved focus from the medication and the skills I have built up over the last 24 years and combine them into a solid coping system moving forward, from there I should be able to accomplish almost anything I want to, rather then the old stand by of "Coasting By With Exceptional Skills"

[Ammar · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most important books about ADHD. Very helpful and informative for parents with children with ADHD. Totally recommend it

[Mykle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny story: In 2013 I suffered such an obstinate, stupefying inability to focus when writing my most recent novel, and was so utterly behind schedule in delivering it to my publisher, that I turned to performance-enhancing drugs: I broke down and borrowed some Adderall from a helpful friend who said "it's great for deadlines", and then sequestered myself at another friend's apartment ... where I had such an amazing five-day run of focused, productive creative writing that I began to suspect all my successful, organized, hard-working writer peers had been using Adderall behind my back, like I was the one guy in the Tour De France who wasn't using anabolic steroids. And even though I recognized full well that Adderall is an amphetamine and I could never handle being on it full time -- the euphoria of the first day was, by day five, nothing but anxious tension -- I was so impressed by how the drug helped me get control of my distractedness, procrastination and inability to keep my butt in the chair that I decided I should figure out how to get some more. You know, for deadlines or weekend writing retreats or general literary emergencies.

In pursuit of that, and armed with my expensive new Obamacare, I scheduled my first medical checkup in twenty years. At the clinic I told the nice doctor that I had been having more and more trouble focusing on my writing (truer words never spoken) and that I had been diagnosed as hyperactive as a child (also true) and wondered if I might be one of those ADD people -- you know, the ones with Adderall prescriptions? And that nice doctor suggested that I discuss this with my therapist first, and my therapist suggested I read this book first. And I thought: this looks hokey. But sure, great, I will read this book -- or skim it, at least, since actually reading a book all the way through has become harder and harder for me -- and thereby learn all about this ADD thing -- a "disorder" which I imagined was just part of a plot by a cabal of pharmacists to get rich selling Ritalin to children -- and this knowledge of ADD will help me to convince the doctors to prescribe me Adderall, that awesome drug that helps me focus. I'll keep a couple of pills in my medicine cabinet for in case I ever decide to write another book, and maybe I'll sell the rest of them to my writer friends in order to pay for my expensive new Obamacare. Work the system, stick it to the man, etc.

Never, not once, not even briefly, did it occur to me that I might actually have ADD -- let alone that I might actually be a the fucking poster child for ADD ... that every page of this book would describe me precisely: my childhood, my history, my stupid problems & weirdnesses that I've struggled to live with at the age of 46. That my problems with picking up subtle cues and listening to others might stem from the same issue as my problems with procrastination and overcommitting. That my low self-esteem and defensiveness might even be classic symptoms of the neuroses that can develop in an ADD sufferer who chalks up their inability to plan, focus and summon willpower to the weakness of their own character. That the way in which I just struggle to cope is not my own lonely struggle but a well recognized disorder suffered by thousands if not millions.

I'm reeling. I'm going in on Tuesday for a professional diagnosis, and then I just don't know. I'm not sure if I want to be on medication, but there are other therapies and approaches, and lots more to learn.

Just reading this book has changed my life. I would like my sixth star now.

[Sylvia Lyons · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADD is not what I thought it was.

I have a child who has been experiencing difficulty in many areas of her life, but the constant arguing (between me and her, and also between her and other family members) was what finally drove me to take her to a therapist. And to my surprise, the diagnosis was ADD, something not even on my radar, and which I was not convinced was even "real." So, she gave us recommended reading, and as my husband put it, ADD is not what we thought it was. This book has been very helpful in helping us to see what ADD is, how it affects each family member (not just the person who has it) and has given us some direction in finding strategies to help her and each family member learn to cope.

The authors also discuss medications and why they help although they seem counter-intuitive (give a stimulant to a hyperactive child?! are you crazy?!). Once you understand what ADD is (and what it isn't), and how medication may be able to help and be a part (a PART, mind you, not the whole plan) of the treatment, then medication doesn't seem like an unreasonable option. As they put it, if a child needs glasses, usually parents don't say, "Well, just squint harder and you'll be able to see well enough."

[Emma Sea · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Key takeaway: I need a coach.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was diagnosed as clinically depressed at the age of 18, suffered from bulimia for ten years, binged in secret even after I stopped purging because I couldn't seem to control the urges to eat to quiet my mind, and always suffered from anxiety no matter how much the doctor's upped my anti-depressants. I just figured I was broken.
I was never hyperactive but my mind never shut off. I always lost things the second I sat them down. Change and new things, no matter how simple, set me off an an anxiety-frenzy that drove my husband crazy. I could never follow through and didn't understand how, unless I put it on the to-do list app on my phone, I would forget to do simple things like take the laundry out of the washer and put it into the dryer or even brush my preschooler's teeth. And the highs and lows I was having that a friend confused with possible manic depression...
all of it was explained when a naturopath took my 34 years of history and figured out in one session that I have ADHD. I've been on medication for about 8 weeks now and I cannot believe how this wasn't caught before. I might still lose my car keys in the ignition and hyperfocus on a writing project that keeps me up until 3 am and my mind is quiet enough to shut down for the night, but the anxiety is no longer a constant and my head is a much less crazy place.
Driven to Distraction was a very educational book for me as it explained a lot I had just written off about myself as writerly/creative quirks and showed me how they relate to ADHD. I just wish the diagnosis had come so much sooner.

[Professor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was encouraged to read this by someone who suspects I'm ADD. While I found the basics interesting, with some "a-ha" moments, the whole thing seems very amorphous and the constant use of cases to illustrate points grew tiresome the more and more I read. The book is very heavy on the recognizing and very, very light on the coping, with just the last few chapters devoted to this subject, which I was most interested in.

[Amanda K]

DNF at 42% Putting this down because I don't think I'm getting much out of this.

I have ADHD, I was diagnosed 3 separate times by 3 separate healthcare providers, at age 4, 15, and 19. (The time when I was 15 was because my first diagnosis was so long ago my new psychiatrist want to make the diagnosis for themself. The time when I was 19 was because I procrastinated a year to get settled with a new doctor at college and that plus the fact that my previous clinic took so long send over my records meant my new doctor decided to diagnose me himself as well). When I was 19 or 20 is when I first stumbled on to things like studyblr and the ADHD community on Tumblr and it was the first time I did any of my own research on what my diagnosis actually meant. I was never taught coping mechanisms or even told what ADHD entails at any stage of my medical history. So when I finally started to do my own research, I hyperfocused on it a bit. I wanted to learn everything I could to make life easier because while medicine helps, it can only do so much. Even though that was ~7 years ago now, I never did read any books specifically about ADHD, though. I wanted to read some nonfiction books on the topic from professional to supplement my ADHD knowledge.

If I read this at 19 before I knew much about what ADHD was, I might have found it super helpful. But then again, maybe not. I only got 42% of the way in, but most of the case studies aren't relatable, (the author's comments interspersed in each study are relatable though). Many of the examples used to demonstrate the symptoms in a case study seem like they would be better explained by a comorbid symptom. (ex. one guy tells how he was on vacation with his family, hours from home, literally in the middle of skiing when he suddenly tells his wife he can't be here, literally runs away from his family, rents a car, and drives hours home so he can go to his office and just sit there. Not work, just be in his office where he feels calm. And it's explained as his need for outer structure since his ADHD makes him lack inner structure. But sorry, no, that is severe anxiety, possibly agoraphobia. He might also have ADHD but what you just described was a manifestation of severe acute anxiety, not a manifestation of ADHD).

Or most of the time when he describes specific examples that actually do sound like ADHD they are so shocking and severe and extreme as to be not relatable. (ex. one guy is disowned by his family because he was so destructive and chaotic and impossible to be around. He would go to the car dealership that his family owned at 2 am, turn on all the lights, turn on every radio in every car at full volume and just stand there luxuriating in the feeling of so much chaos when everyone else is sleeping. Or he would insult the customers at the car dealership to their face while working. Or he would impulse buy a cruise trip for several grand and get mad when his wife doesn't appreciate that he didn't even talk to her about it first. He literally from one sentence to the next says that he knows it was bad but that she should have been thrilled and basically blames her for not jumping for joy. And he proudly tells these examples of things he does and talks about how fun it is and how he likes being that way).

There's also this weird signaling where the author makes it a point after every case to insist just how likable they are. So good, so sweet, so pure, everyone likes them, so charming. Even the guy who gleefully terrorized his family to the point of excommunication he somehow claims is so likable. Like where doe? Because he sounds literally insufferable. You can tell the author has a likability complex and thinks it's important that these patients all be seen as supremely likable. But it's just alienating, these people do so much annoying stuff but yet everyone who meets them likes them so much? So if I don't have every teacher I ever had write reports of how likable and charming I am then I'm somehow less worthy?

Same with creativity and genius. The author continually drills in that individuals with ADHD are pretty universally incredibly brilliant and incredibly creative and incredibly charming and just all around the best. Which, considering the author himself points out the tendency of those with ADHD to feel like frauds, you would think he would realize that a lot of readers with ADHD might read that, not feel like they themselves possess those qualities, and then beat themselves up for having all the bad traits and none of the good.

And another pet peeve was how the author continually insists that ADHD needs to be caught when young because if caught when young the child doesn't get the same issues with self-worth, self-esteem, etc that those who go undiagnosed get. The author's claim is that when undiagnosed when a child is impulsive or distractible or emotional they get treated like a "bad" kid and are called things like lazy which affects the kids' view of themselves. But when a kid is diagnosed young then parents and teachers will have a reason for the kids' behavior and will be more understanding and forgiving of the kids' shortcomings. Now, I can promise you that that 10,000% is not always the case. Getting diagnosed isn't a magic cure-all for adult understanding. Many teachers and parents won't take ADHD under consideration either because of a lack of understanding of the diagnosis or because they don't want to let it "excuse" behavior. I know I am not the only adult who struggled with all the issues he attributed to those who went undiagnosed, even though I was diagnosed at 4 years old. But he in multiple spots makes the claim that getting diagnosed early will prevent those issues from arising in the first place, and that's clearly just wishful thinking and not a true reflection of the compassion and understanding and patience of the average adult.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read. Turns out that Attention Deficit Disorder is widely misunderstood. (It isn't just for hyperactive kids after all...) In fact, the condition has a wide variety of symptoms: forgetfulness, impulsiveness, tendency to get distracted, inability to get organized, a strong desire/need for structure, a tendency to start projects without finishing them -- the flip side is that individuals with ADD tend to be imaginative, intelligent, and energetic. Of course, adults with un-diagnosed ADD can develop a chronic sense of underachievement along with depression and/or anxiety, since they can internalize all of the negative labels that society throws at them ("lazy","shiftless", even "stupid"). I recognize a lot of those symptoms in my own life (who wouldn't?), but there are also many facets of the disease that I can't relate to at all. The author does speculate that we live in a kind of "ADD culture" where distraction and the constant need for stimulation have become par for the course.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book for helping identify a family/personal history of ADD... i have struggled my whole life with some ADD issues, though i never knew why - until i read this book. it really opened my eyes and for the first time i felt like i had some real answers. i really like the lists of tips for dealing with a child/adult/partner with ADD. very helpful - highly recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The night that our then five-year-old son's therapist told us he had ADHD, she recommended I read as much as I could on the subject, as a well informed advocate is a much more effective advocate. This book was on her suggested reading list, and was the first one I started reading. Halfway through the first chapter, I called my husband at work and proclaimed, "I have ADD. I've had it my whole life and no one has ever realized it before."

That moment has changed my life. This book was the first step, and is a great place to start the journey.

[LiLi · Rating 2 out of 5]

All good information. but really just a primer and not very in-depth.

[Katie Bananas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome in the fact that the psychiatrist (who has ADD) explains the different types of ADD with example cases based on the population affected, as of adults and children. I particularly liked the chapters on families with loved ones with ADD, along with adults affected. They emphasized several things I could have never learned in books.

The chapter on the treatment is extremely useful as to provide relief and organizational tips for those with ADD. This along with the reassurance that it’s only an alternative way of thinking rather than a disease can prove useful in future research. The tips provided are extremely useful, especially the gain of a coach and mentor to get things going and pursue a normal and productive life in all of its aspects. Great read!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too long winded, too much stories about patients. I skimmed through most of it to read the actual interesting parts and the tips at the end of each chapter.
Is this truly a book for people with AD(H)D? I was constantly thinking ' Come on, get to the point'.
The part about biology was a nice bonus after all that diagonally reading.

I think this book will be better liked by people who don't know anything about AD(H)D or by therapists/ psychologists thanks to the detailled ( urgh) patient stories.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

dare i say life-changing? perhaps that's a bit extreme, but hey i'm an extremist! hahaha. i picked up this book on the recommendation of an early childhood worker after bringing jane in for an evaluation for concerns about a possible auditory processing disorder and/or ADD.

this is one of those books that i wish i would have had a pencil in hand for the entire time i was reading it. and probably almost every line would have been underlined! even though i started reading it for help with jane, it wasn't long before a certain other child came to mind, and by the time i was on chapter 5 "The Big Struggle: ADD and the Family," i realized that ETHAN is struggling with ADD as well. furthermore, as i continued to read the book i experienced a true light-bulb moment of clarity when i realized that I have ADD also. and probably HAVE had it my entire life.

i can't tell you how many times i stopped while reading this book to read something out loud to scott that so accurately described the way i am and how i do things. seriously, it's so OBVIOUS to me now that i have ADD, that part of me is hesitant to share my new found information with friends because i'm worried that in their head they'll be thinking "well, duh. i could have told you that a long time ago." hahahaha. the thing that i like the most about this book is that it does a really good job of illustrating that there are as many different ways for ADD/ADHD to manifest itself as there are people who have it. however, as different as each case may be there are core similarities that almost every person who has it can relate to.

throughout my life i've never felt like anyone has ever TRULY understood me. while reading this book i felt understood for the first time. or at least i came to understand MYSELF as far as why i do the things i do.

"i'd rather be busy than bored." "i'm an extremist." "i just can't seem to get organized and stay organized." "i can't stay on top the laundry. (or the housework. or dishes. etc.)" "i think i must sub-consciously thrive on chaos." -- could any of these quotes from my blog scream ADD more??? hahaha.

here is a list of 20 diagnostic criteria for ADD in adults:
1.) a sense of underachievement, of not meeting one's goals (regardless of how much one has actually accomplished).
2.) difficulty getting organized.
3.) chronic procrastination or trouble getting started.
4.) many projects going simultaneously; trouble with follow through.
5.) a tendency to say what comes to mind without necessarily considering the timing or appropriateness of the remark.
6.) a frequent search for high stimulation.
7.) an intolerance of boredom.
8.) easy distractibility, trouble focusing attention, tendency to tune out or drift away in the middle of a page or a conversation, often coupled with an ability to hyperfocus at times.
9.) often creative, intuitive, highly intelligent.
10.) trouble in going through established channels, following "proper" procedure.
11.) impatient; low tolerance of frustration.
12.) impulsive, either verbally or in action.
13.) a tendency to worry needlessly, endlessly.
14.) a sense of insecurity.
15.) mood swings, mood lability, especially when disengaged from a person or project.
16.) physical or cognitive restlessness.
17.) a tendency toward addictive behavior.
18.) chronic problems with self-esteem.
19.) inaccurate self-observation.
20.) family history of ADD or manic-depressive illness or depression or substance abuse or other disorders of impulse control or mood.


and just to make this officially the LONGEST review i have ever made on goodreads, i'll finish by saying that i also appreciated the section on "pseudo-ADD." for sure everyone is on the spectrum somewhere for ADD, but the pseudo-ADD culture that today's modern, american society has created is not the same thing as true ADD/ADHD. this book is chock-full of information and a really great resource to have on hand, as well as the one book i would say that gives the best examples and explanations of the disorder. i've tried to read a lot of books about it over the last few months {for jane's sake initially}, but this was the first one that i was actually engaged in AND finished from cover to cover. i would definitely recommend it to anyone.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good early book on ADD in children and adults.(A more recent book by the same authors, entitled Delivered from Distraction, may be the best current book on the subject). This book came out around the time ADD was starting to be better understood, and it contains a lot of interesting case studies illustrating some of the different forms of ADD and its subtypes, such as with or without hyperactivity. ADD has been described as paradoxical because of its many seemingly contradictory symptoms. For example, a child with ADD may not be able to pay attention in class but at other times be able to hyper-focus, spending countless hours on an activity that interests him. ADD can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often differ among individuals and between children and adults. A child may not be able to stay in his seat or may be constantly daydreaming, while ADD in an adult may be marked by disorganization, forgetfulness, difficulty focusing, procrastination (which may come from an inability to focus on a project, despite one's best efforts, until a deadline looms and the pressure is on), difficulty with transitions or trouble switching mental gears, frequent fidgeting during meetings, and others. Adults with ADD also often have a lot of good ideas or great flashes of insight, but often, because of the other symptoms, have difficulty following through with those ideas, leading to inconsistent performance. Because ADD has been discovered in adults relatively recently, and because nearly everyone experiences many of these symptoms from time to time (though to a lesser degree), adult ADD often goes undetected and undiagnosed. Unfortunately, when left untreated, the inevitable difficulties that arise often lead to so-called "secondary symptoms," such as low self esteem, depression, and anxiety.

As with all such books that cover many aspects of a topic, several parts can be skimmed. But this book is very well written and extremely valuable for anyone who thinks they or someone they know might have ADD.

[Ana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was diagnosed with Adult ADHD (inattentive) in 2012. I'm not sure what I was looking to get out of this book, but I figured that it never hurts to keep educating myself about the disorder (I'm still learning new things about it to this day!)

I realized a couple of chapters in that I was not the intended audience of this book. I'm not exaggerating when I say that probably 85% of the book consists of case studies (more like stories, really) of the authors' patients and the behavior that compelled them to seek treatment. But there isn't a lot of substance here; almost every story ends with a line in passing such as, "So I gave them Ritalin and they turned their life around." And perhaps the most frustrating thing about it is that I personally had a hard time relating to the patients that the authors presented, although based on other reviews it appears that I'm in the minority. To me the authors seemed to present more cases that tended toward the hyperactive end of the spectrum than the inattentive.

There's very little actual advice among these pages. The authors' intent is to show you how transformative a diagnosis can be, but if you're already diagnosed then there isn't a whole lot to gain here apart from a chapter at the end of the book containing various tips in bullet point list format (finally, some bullet points!! - this book tried my attention quite a bit even though I'm already medicated.)

A good book for those who are curious whether or not they or someone they love may have ADHD; but if you're already diagnosed and in treatment then you won't be missing out by skipping this one.

Now on to Delivered from Distraction: Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder - I have a feeling that this one will be a bit more relevant to my situation.

[Nina (Momo)]

I basically never give up on books, sometimes forcing myself through something I really don't enjoy at all, but I found myself giving up on this at 20% in.

I don't think this is a bad book, per say. It was groundbreaking when it was written, and I think for some people with no familiarity with ADHD symptoms, it could still be eye-opening. I can even see the value in the very, very detailed case studies examining different people with ADHD because they show how people with this disorder (disability?) are still fully-rounded individuals who can be quite different while struggling with some of the same problems.

That said, I think, ironically, that this wasn't really a book written in a way that's easy to read if you yourself have ADHD or any similar traits to it. I found myself frequently getting impatient and thinking, "Ok, this is all very nice, but can we get to the point?" I think the semi-abbreviated list of one man's evaluations from all his teachers, starting in kindergarten and going through high school, is when I gave up on the book internally, although I did read a bit further.

This book seems like it would be most useful for someone who suspects they may have ADHD but isn't very familiar with the symptoms, or who wants to learn about what ADHD is.

I wish there had been more details early on about how to treat and live with it, as well as the biological foundations. I guess those are at the end of the book, but I couldn't bring myself to read that far.

[Jay Kistler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The biggest thing this book has going against it is
its age. The introduction to the 2011 re-release says as much by acknowledging the terminology at least is out of date; a more accurate designation would be ADHD over just ADD. Another thing I noticed is that the medication of choice for the author is Ritalin, where I think Adderall is the drug that’s now more often prescribed. Last thing I’ll mention is how this book was originally published in the 90’s, right before smartphones and Lord knows how much worse that alone has made people like me.

Other than that, I can’t think of a better intro to ADHD for someone who might have only heard of the disorder (even though throughout the book it’s referred to as ADD). The questionnaire towards the end of the book I found particularly insightful, and going off of my 82/100 score, I’m going to all but confirm that I have ADHD. I have a lot more to learn about myself, but I agree with the author who notes how helpful it is by merely naming what you have. If you’ve ever wondered why you can’t seem to think straight, sit still, keep forgetting where you place your keys, never finish projects, procrastinate, and if there’s a reason why you’ve gotten into so many car wrecks, maybe give this book a read.

[Lorrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great, first book for those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and their families or support systems that are beginning to educate themselves about ADD. It conveys its message in comprehensible, non-jargon that provides several examples to illustrate the many symptoms and subtypes of ADD that exist. The author, who is a psychiatrist with ADD and treats those with it, not only delves into the initial symptoms of ADD like distractibility, disorginization, inattentiveness, impulsivity, etc., but also the secondary ones, like depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem, and relationship problems, to name a few. This book deals with the toll ADD takes on families, marriages, friendships, and work and gives concrete ides on how to repair, modify, and maintain these relationships. It presents coping mechanisms that are practical to reduce the symptoms that plague those affected by ADD and those surrounding them. After reading this book and being diagnosed with ADHD myself, so much of my life makes sense now. I felt that much of the book could've been based on my experiences with this disorder. The author presents me with a good framework to deal with my issues arising from my ADHD.

[Nadiia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Це одна з тих книг, яку повинен прочитати кожен.

Люди дуже люблять навішувати ярлики і мало хто задається питанням «в чому причина певної нестандартої поведінки іншої людини?», простіше сказати, що цей хлопчик погано вихований, а ця жінка безвідповідальна, тому постійно запізнюється.

Але трошки більше 100 років тому в медицині буда перша згадка про синдром дифіциту уваги. І ця книжка, що написана психотерапевтом, який спеціалізується на лікуванні цієї загадкової хвороби, про яку мало хто чув, ба більше, сам живе з таким «діагнозом», піднімає завісу та відкриває всі «секретні секрети» щодо цього захворювання і вмить руйнує різноманітні стереотипи, які так міцно засіли в наших головах.

Тож, якщо ви хочете розширити своє розуміння людської природи, дізнатись чим можуть бути обумовлені нездатність сфокусуватись, імпульсивність і інші прояви синдрому дифіциту уваги, що це взагалі таке, як це діагностується і лікується в дорослих та дітей - ця книжка саме для вас.

Не пошкодуйте грошей і часу!

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you start typing "ADD is" into Google the top search suggestions are "fake", "bullshit", "not real", and "a myth" so clearly there is still a long way to go towards removing the stigma around this disorder. I think the book is really good although it is important to note it was written in 94' and Hallowell has a newer book from 2005 called Delivered from Distraction which incorporates newer research. Whether or not you believe that various mental health issues are "real" I think is unfortunately often very subjective and people will think what they want to think. But this is a good book, well-written, the author brings a wealth of experience to the topic and really cares about presenting it in an even-handed manner. Although Hallowell is a psychiatrist that obviously believes ADD is a real disorder, I would not consider this book "pro-ADD" in that it does a good job of presenting information without trying to sell you on any conclusion.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to ADD. Since the audiobook I listened to was an abridged one, I won’t give a star rating until I’ve read the entire piece.

[Sinokim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book provides a massive amount of information about the treatment and understanding of ADHD (ADD). I've picked this book to see If I could adapt some of the productivity (or just tips and tricks for people with ADHD) techniques. I can't tell whether I have ADHD or not, and I think I don't, yet applying some of the mentioned advice overall improved my productivity and performance in general.

If you have any questions about ADHD, have someone you know with ADHD, have it yourself - this is the book to learn about it. Perhaps my recommendation is biased, as I've never read any other book about ADHD, but I still think it's a safe bet to recommend this book.

[D. B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I knew about ADD before reading Driven to Distraction could fill a haiku. I basically thought it was an overdiagnosed catch-all disease that few actually suffered from, and most usually adopted it to make excuses for acting like assholes.

A friend of mine has been struggling with ADD for several years. When she identified my best friend as having undiagnosed ADD (it was an armchair diagnosis, but I was willing to entertain it--it did explain a lot of my friend's erratic, seemingly contradictory behavior), she recommended this book. She told me it was the only one she had read that actually made her think, "This person understands my brain." She wasn't sure how I would take to it, as a non-ADD sufferer, but she hoped it would help me to understand my best friend's issues.

She was right. At first, I will admit, the book drove me crazy. Hallowell combines information about the ADD brain with "case study" type narratives, and I found myself wanting to shout more than once that these case studies, "JUST GET OVER IT!!" At about the halfway point, however, what Hallowell wrote really started clicking. As my understanding of how ADD affects people grew more firm, so did my empathy and sympathy. By the end, I felt like I had a reasonably good understanding and was able to adapt my expectations so I wouldn't end up throttling my BFF. I consider that a victory.

The friend who recommended the book, for what it's worth, had a different reaction to reading it. She felt overjoyed that Hallowell understood her mind, and she was gratified when Driven to Distraction gave her insights into herself that she previously hadn't seen.