Delivered from Distraction : Getting the Most out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder

Rating:
Summary: how to control ADD
Review:
The two authors who both have ADD give much insight into treatments for ADD. They highly recommend physical exercise saying, "Ten minutes of exercise is equal to one Prozac and one Ritalin." Besides describing the usual types of treatments they offer various balance exercises and drawing drills to help rewire the brain. They offer a method of modifying AA's twelve steps to control ADD. They talk about other disorders like bipolar illness that often occur together with ADD. They have a whole chapter illustrating the subtle differences between the two. Basically ADD people are consistent with their moods, bipolar people cycle through periods where they might be quite functional.


Rating:
Summary: Great if you are an ADD newbie; new info for "old timers"
Review: Delivered from Distraction is a fine read (stylistically) and an excellent guidebook for someone who is professionally and accurately diagnosed with ADD, or for those who would like to know what having ADD feels like and the types of behaviors people with ADD are prone to exhibit. This could be of particular benefit to mental health professionals who work with people with ADD. And for those who think ADD is a pseudo-disorder or a political ploy (I'm not one of them), maybe this book will change your mind. Although as Dr. Hallowell reminds us, if such skeptics could walk around for a day with the symptoms of ADD, most would quickly change their minds, and would most likely reverse their stance on the idea that it is some sort of social construct. I myself recall the first time I took Ritalin. I was so overwhelmed by the relief it brought me, I almost began to cry. Overall, if you have read Driven to Distraction by the same author "team" published in 1994, you'll find a lot that sounds familiar, but also much about some new treatments--some "official," some experimental. These include new brain imaging diagnostic procedures, some very strange but interesting stuff about cerebellum stimulation (you have to read it carefully to understand it! (Wait till you see some of the theory behind it and what you actually do during the treatments!!); more specific nutritional advice, new medications (like Strattera, which I have tried but didn't find too helpful--which I'll attribute to the "different strokes for different folks" philosophy, and some really nice touches when Dr. Hallowell relates personal anecdotes about himself and family members with ADD. This book has more personal reflection on the subject, which adds a friendly touch since one can get a sense of the writers as people, not merely authorities. If you are familiar with the many books on ADD that suggest strategies for living, ordering one's life, conscious awareness of one's proclivities, this book covers some of the same ground but in a more literary and empathetic way (maybe because Dr. Hallowell was an English major in college). It also does so in a way that makes a lot of sense and seems derived from the authors' experience and motivated by a true desire to help others. He also includes some new and fascinating "case studies" of people who used their ADD state of mind to their advantage and became highly successful (see in particular the story of the founder of JetBlue). These "success stories" are not so much pep talks (I wouldn't want to run an airline even if I could), but explanations of how one can use one's "disorder." Additionally, I found it quite brave that individuals in the public eye, so to speak, are not afraid to speak about their ADD. (I've read in another source, the story of the founder of Kinko's. Who would think someone with ADD would create a company worth 2.5 billion whose major appeal is precision, meeting deadlines, and coordination?!) This is not meant to imply that the authors have a pie in the sky philosophy of "aren't I lucky I have ADD since it enriches my life." The book stresses the fact that regardless of how well you develop strategies to "work with" your special cognitive style, there will be days when things just don't seem to be working--times when all the strategies in the world don't seem to help. But, as the book points out, the important thing is not to beat oneself up about it. As someone who is a writer, I related to this propensity at self-criticism. I once wrote a 10,000 word short story in about an hour and a half; however, often my mind will just be so scattered I can't even type a sentence fragment (let alone an interesting one). Everyone has bad days, and given the proclivity of many ADD people to feel dissatisfied with their progress in life (i.e., goals, behaviors, personal identity, etc.,) one should not expect some magic cure-all for one's condition. The authors imply that there will be breakthroughs in treatment but don't expect any "magic bullet" any time soon(that's a horrible metaphor--sorry!). But with that in mind, the authors still maintain an upbeat, positive outlook, and provide a well-considered, thoughtful holistic program to find personal and interpersonal success in one's daily life and in one's journey through life. I particularly liked the five-step method (graphically illustrated as a circle or flywheel) of developing a positive view and a positive lifestyle to find what the author calls "lasting joy." I found it so simple and impressive, in fact, I plan to copy the diagram and put it on my refrigerator. While I might not have used this somewht idealistic DEScription of the PREscription, it is a very common sense approach with profound possibilities of changing both the way an ADD person can successfully address the issues of everyday living and develop a philosophy of life that helps one develop a more secure "ground of being" (to paraphrase Paul Tillich. It has often been remarked that people with ADD are particularly sensitive, and this trait is apparent in the tone of the book. For example, one chapter begins, "Let me tell you an amazing story about my son Jack." The author then proceeds to tell this story, and it reveals the author's deep sensitivity and thoughtfulness, and his desire to share personal experience--in a sincere, heartfelt way without any arrogance or showing off. Here is an (incomplete) list of certain tenets:

find a compatable, understanding life partner (although why that advice should be different for people without ADD is beyond me);

find suitable work that appeals to the ADD personality (high stimulation, non-sendentary, one that requires creative, outside the box thinking, low levels of supervision, etc., (although again, shouldn't everyone try to find a job that suits his/her personality and traits?);

eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly (nothing like pumping up those neurotransmitters naturally, although again, this is good commonsense for just about everyone);

be aware of and develop strategies to combat one's proneness to addictive behaviors (alcohol, illicit drugs, gambling, sex..hmmm...wait a second, I have to reconsider that last item!);

use human or technological aids to help order your universe (a good accountant, a good daily planner, professional "coach" if you can afford one (I had about 4 sessions with one, and I think that was just about enough), electronic timers, etc.);

learn cognitive "tricks" to stop ADD-type impulsive actions (like showing your impatience, blurting out what's on your mind, etc). During a "business meeting," I once started doing an imitation of Marlon Brando as "The Godfather." I swear the display was completely appropriate in getting my point across but it sort of got lost on the rest of the people. Of great importance, consider that medication should almost always be considered as one part of the "happy with an ADD mind" equation--assuming all the other building blocks are in place;

follow a holistic approach to your situation, and get rid of one-track mind thinking regarding "a cure";

Check out some of the new research and methods that have cropped up in the past 10 years or so.

There's lots more but it certainly can't fit in here (sorry, there's not "Cliff notes" on this book).

If you haven't read other books on the subject, read this one, then maybe an ADD friendly organization book; see a competent psychiatrist who has expertise in treating ADD,and be assertive regarding what works, what doesn't work, and even the possiblity that no medication will work: regardless, don't go the medication route as though it will provide the answer to your problems. Then, when you find you've adapted a way of being that works for you, get on with your life, and monitor yourself every so often--but not obsessively. BECAUSE, if you do have ADD, and you are compulsive, you are likely to spend far too much time reading every book there is on the subject. So unless you plan to make a career of it, read this one, augment it with a good book on organizational skills designed for people with ADD, and get on with your life. And if you do have ADD, from one comrade to another, have the best life you can!

(And if confronted by someone who still claims that ADD is a hoax, conspiracy, attempt to disempower minority populations, a drug company invention to garner profits, my advice is to converse with them in the following manner: from as far away as possible).

Rating:
Summary: Dr Hallowell succeeds with his most current text!
Review: Dr. Hallowell has indeed done it again! He has provided both the lay and professional reader with a detailed sensitive adddendum to his initial text, Driven To Distraction. This current 'manual' has so many additional advantages and insights that the authors have gleaned from their experiences and now share with us. It is must for any and all professional libraries!
They not only provide the most current rearch in the field, but also provide most specific guidelines of 'how to's' and 'what to's' How to go about obtaining an appropriate dianosis and what to do once you have obtained that diagnosis. In addition to providing a current, updated comprehensive overview (with information that was not available at the time of their initial text), their personal warm and sensitive narratives, a style that is truly so well known to anyone who has read or heard any of Dr. Hallowell's lectures, truly makes the reading not only a source of increased undersdtanding of this most often over used and misunderstood diagnostic term, but a pleasure to obtain increased insights as to how to accurately diagnose, treat and manage ADD, or ADHD. Providing insights and guidelines to parents and educators is what has been needed, rather than just listing once again traits and syndromes with little direction. I highly recommend all to read this excellent text!

Rating:
Summary: Delivered from Distraction
Review: Dr. Hallowell's latest book is a gem. He gives concrete examples from the lives of people who suffer from ADD. After reading the book, I almost wish I had it. Clearly, it is often ancillary to the most gifted, creative minds. Not only is this book informative, but, at times, it is hysterically funny. (Take the personality test on page 44 on home life, if you want to fall to the floor laughing.) Larded within the elegant prose and the scientific data, the warmth of Dr. Hallowell's own personality shines through. His view on life would seem to be: one can laugh or one can cry about the cards one is dealth. Clearly, he has decided to laugh through his tears.


Rating:
Summary: Want to return by brain for a full refund...
Review: I am someone who probably does not have a full-blown ADD, and possibly have some form of "eccentricity" within realm of noramal. However, this does affect my life and I've been searching for solutions to some of my life recurring symptoms, i.e. impulsivity, forgetfulness, lack of attention. At times I can be quite smart and original; at another times, one would think I am dumb, impulsive, disorganized or simply uninterested. The regular insight therapy helped only modestly.

THE BOOK.


POSITIVES:

Overall, I've found this book very useful and full of ideas to try, at least in theory. Attitude about ADD being unique and special is very empowering and probably true. Any diagnosis, Dr. Hallowell says, must include complete evaluation for strengths and weaknesses. I am beginning to focus more on assets rather than beating myself up for failures. Book explains how they are not my fault. For therapy to succeed, it needs to address unique ADD issues.

I could relate to some of the stories featured in this book. Dr. Hallowell is a resourceful, creative and brave therapist who does come up with some great and unique ideas I have not encountered in other self-help books: concept of importance of being connected as a pre-requisite to happiness. Connected to God, society, culture, friends, and world in general. Being from another country, and living of all places, in New York City, I know how disconnected we are.

Some of the advice on Brain Metronome and brain exercises gave me a new venue to try to tackle my problems. I am not sure how much research is behind this book, the suggestions make good sense to me (I educate myself by reading good self-help books and apply them to my situation) It feels like it might work if one is diligent enough which gives me hope that the book can help me. I go with the gut feeling.

This book is not specific to people with ADD but could be beneficial to improve other symptoms like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and organizational problems. There is a great overview of medicine for ADD that helps with attention problems, anxiety, focusing. He gives balanced opinions on pros and cons of taking pills.

NEGATIVES:

There were some things that bothered me about this book, however minor. At times, I felt that author self-indulgently went on a long tangent. Ironically, he forgets the book is written for people who have problems with attention. Write me a 400-page book and you will lose me in the first 10 pages, and possibly never find me again. Especially, I found that the book is not well organized. I had a strong urge to skip stories to get to the essense. (Hallowell and Ratey both have ADD). Some ideas were not as clear and had nothing to do with anything.

Some inconsistencies I noticed: on page 175 we read "10 minutes of physical exercise offers the same benefits-without the side effects - as a dose of Prozac combined with the dose or Ritalin." Hmm, accoriding to what research? I get the jest of importance of exercise but... (There is research that 30 min 3 times a week of moderate exercise after 3 months alleviate depression as well as Zoloft). Just a page later we read: "Taking medication is a single most effective treatment for ADD. Page 176.

Everything is ADD in the world of this book. Do you drink coffee more than 3 cups? ADD is the answer. Do you love bicycles even if you don't ride them anymore? Guess what... you might have ADD. Do you like danger? Do you like debates? Check for ADD.

BOTTOM LINE:

In the end, I can live with all the book's minor shortcomings. This book is unique and offers me different ways I can address my stubborn problems and this is what counts. Books that have abilities to really change lives are priceless. There are about 10 of those...


Good luck.


Rating:
Summary: New and Useful Information
Review: Quite a few people have told me that Dr. Hallowell's books on ADD have changed, and in some cases, saved their lives. With his latest book on the topic, I am sure that many more lives will be saved -- both literally and figuratively.

Delivered from Distraction, which presents new and valuable information not contained in Dr. Hallowell's earlier books on the topic, shows why "attention deficit disorder" needn't be a deficit or a disorder. In fact, many "ADD traits" can, if understood, managed, and nurtured, be powerful positive forces in an individual's life.

While the book presents recent research in the field as well as information on the latest medications, it is especially strong in showing readers how to minimize the negative, and strengthen the positive aspects of ADD without medication. Dr. Hallowell's intelligent and practical self-treatment regimes, along with the moving profiles of people who have triumphed despite -- and perhaps because of -- their ADD, made me almost wish I had it. And then I realized that Dr. Hallowell's advice to people with ADD is great advice for ANYONE who wishes to lead a healthy, creative, and fulfilling life -- albeit with a little more organization and a little less procrastination.

Rating:
Summary: A Winner Once Again!
Review: Seldom do we have a window into any life challenge quite like Dr.Hallowell gives us into ADD in this book. As a brilliant Harvard psychiatrist, a compassionate human being challenged by ADD, and the father of children with ADD his book is informative, inspiring,and hopeful.He has lived these pages!In his ususal and refreshing transparent style he offers wisdom gathered from his own experiences and those of many others, lends a critical eye to available interventions, and encourages those with ADD to move beyond the label of a hopeless, chronic disorder to one of personal strength and possibility.He is an exceptional author in his ability to integrate his medical knowledge with experiential wisdom in this field.If you have ADD,or somehow you know or love has ADD, or you have a keen interest in the topic this is your book!Personal stories keep the reader's attention and enhance understanding. Dr. Hallowell's balanced treatment approach is a breath of fresh air and right on! Seldom do we see such an eloquent and comprehensive presentation of the available interventions, both standard and new. For those of who enjoyed and benefited from Driven to Distraction, you will find this a worthy and very helpful sequel! A must read!