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Summary: A must read for anyone with ADD
Review: This was the best writing on the subject of ADD for both children and adults. Well written in layman terms. The book showed me that I am not stupid but do have a learning disability that I have been suffering with for 50 years. Now that I know, I am able to retrain my life.
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Summary: A REALLY COMPLETE Book on ADD!!!
Review: I was so glad to have found this book, written by a doctor, who himself, has ADD. Not only does he explain it really well, but he goes through all of the possible other diagnoses that can be confused, or mixed up with, ADD. He discusses all medical AND non-medical strategies to treat ADD, and winds up with the precise information to gather together before going to a doctor, to make your visit more productive. The writing style is comfortable, and easy to read, with many true-life examples of various people.
I have a daughter who I am now sure has ADD, and NOW I finally know how to go about helping her! If you, or anyone in your family, has ADD, or even SUSPECT that they do, this is DEFINITELY the book for you. I cannot imagine that there is any better, or more complete, book out there on this problem.
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Summary: Michael from Ontario, Canada
Review: Less than a year ago, having been diagnosed as being bipolar(3 years ago), my pychiatrist suggested to read this book titled "driven to distraction" (seeing how I have only read maybe 5 complete books in my life). I have had personal trouble with my wife and daughter over the years saying what ever came to mind not taking into account the persons feeling etc. and not realizing why I did the things I did. The first thing was a chill going through my entire body and tears of joy, sadness, and anger with racing thoughts persisting after reading and completing this book, I realized why I did and said the things I did as anyone with ADHD can relate. After finding out for myself being add, I now know my father and mother have the symtoms of add. I hope commenting has helped others with similar situations because knowing what I now know today has changed my life.
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Summary: ADD stinks - This Book Helps!
Review: I hate ADD. I am the mother of a great son who is afflicted with ADD and I spent years pulling my hair out looking for help. A loving and gifted therapist handed me this book along with "The Child Whisperer" by Matt Pasquinilli. "Driven to Distraction" is a through and powerful look at what happens in the life of a person with ADD and those who care for and love him/her. "The Child Whisperer" is way different but offers simple help for this conplicated condition. I suggest both books for anyone looking for ADD relief.
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Summary: Flowery nonsense
Review: If you've already been down the typical path with your child, namely: (1) Child has a problem in school, (2) Child fidgets in front of school "psychologist," (3) Referred to local pediatric physician, (4) received script for psychostimulants, and (5) started giving child the drugs, you'll like this book. It will make you feel good about yourself, your parenting style, and your decision.At least give yourself the chance to see the other side of the story. You only have one child - read the book "Unraveling the ADD/ADHD Fiasco" by David B. Stein, Ph.D. If you are still convinced that the drug route is the way to go, follow the "1-2-3 Magic" types of parenting techniques (or have a "family meeting" and solicit input from your little child who has no tools to solve this problem), and when that doesn't work, administer the drugs. OK - I've probably made some folks angry, and I'll concede that there are a relatively small percentage of children and adults that suffer from disorders (with symptoms like those attributed to ADD/ADHD) that are improved through these drugs, including Ritalin. But, keep in mind that in some schools 50% of the male childern are "ADHD" diagnosed and on Ritalin or similar drugs. No one in their right mind could possibly believe that 50% of children have something called ADD/ADHD that requires treatment with Schedule 2 drugs. I'm not writing for those few percent that maybe have a real disease that is helped by drugs. I'm writing for the 95% of children who are on Ritalin and don't need to be. This book will lead you in a direction that your child doesn't necessarily need to go. By the way, the book never mentions that Ritalin and similar medicines are "Schedule II" drugs, or what these are. As a parent, I hope you'll ask your doctor - or better still - do your own research on what Ritalin does in the body and its addictive and abuse potential. Rebut this information if you wish, but I didn't see anything in this book expressing outrage over 33 - 50% of little children being forced to take addictive drugs because some counseler, teacher, parent and doctor didn't want to do some hard work and rule out that the child's behavior can possibly be remedied by something other than drugs.
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Summary: This book saved my career and my family
Review: I have had problems all my life, some described in this book and some described by the other people who wrote a review of this book. My wife and I were attending marriage counseling because of my short temper. After a few sessions our therapist said she thought I had ADD which I quickly dismissed even though my younder brother was diagnosed with ADD early in his life. After a few more years of trying to convince me, after trying all kinds of self help, after attending anger management classes, our therapist finally recommended this book. I read parts and reread parts and reread parts (others with ADD will understand this) and finally, I got to the "test" in the back of the book. 100 yes/no questions, the more yes answers the more likely you are to have ADD. I took it and after restarting 4 or 5 times finally finished the test with a score of 80. For a baseline I had my wife take it. She scored 18. Not a diagnosis but enough for me to make an appointment with a psychiatrist. Almost 2 years later I am taking ADD medication and my temper is gone, my work productivity and my ability to complete projects has greatly improved. And most importantly I and my family have a new outlook on life. Everyone is happier, especially me.
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Summary: I wish I'd read this years ago!
Review: Whether you have ADD or know someone who has, reading this book is a must. The stories about fellow ADD'ers were fantastic, the summary of research into biological causes of ADD was invaluable, as was the history of ADD research. The tips for dealing with ADD, especially regarding relationships, were right on the mark. The other tips came as a reality check; no, there aren't any magic tricks to make ADD go away and yes, I really do have to use all the organizers I've bought! My boyfriend and I were both diagnosed with ADD 5 years ago. Not much of the info was new to us but it helped clarify things about ADD that we didn't even realize we (really) needed clarified! Read this book.
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