Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood
- ISBN13: 9780684801285
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
Through vivid stories of the experiences of their patients (both adults and children), Drs. Hallowell and 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.Amazon.com Review
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
5 Responses to “Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood”
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February 28th, 2010 at 4:27 pm
When my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD last year, I bought this book. After thoroughly researching the subject of ADHD, I tire of the thesis that our children have minimal brain dysfunction. My child is fine now since she has been on good old cod liver oil every day. Remember the adage Fish is good for the brain. Well its great for the brain and ritalin isnt and never should be even recommended.
Rating: 1 / 5
February 28th, 2010 at 7:15 pm
Obviously not good enough to catch an ADD reader’s attention! Maybe if it was a picture book. . .
Rating: 2 / 5
February 28th, 2010 at 7:23 pm
The description stated that the book was in “Excellent Condition”, but when the book arrived, the edges of the book were yellowed and something had spilled on the front of the book that I had to scrap off. I was very disappointed in my purchase!
Rating: 2 / 5
February 28th, 2010 at 7:37 pm
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.
Rating: 1 / 5
February 28th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
I found helpful information for my daughter who exhibited ADD from environmental aggravants. This book and The A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. Diet book, helped me get to the root of the problem and eliminate the causes of her ADD.
Rating: 4 / 5