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Delivered From Distraction  By  cover art

Delivered From Distraction

By: Edward M. Hallowell M.D., John J. Ratey M.D.
Narrated by: Edward M. Hallowell M.D.
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Publisher's summary

In 1994, Driven to Distraction sparked a revolution in our understanding of attention deficit disorder. Now a second revolution is under way in the approach to ADD, and the news is great. Drug therapies, our understanding of the role of diet and exercise, even the way we define the disorder, all are changing radically. And doctors are realizing that millions of adults suffer from this condition, though the vast majority of them remain undiagnosed and untreated. In this new book, Drs. Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey build on the breakthroughs of Driven to Distraction to offer a comprehensive and entirely up-to-date guide to living a successful life with ADD.

As Hallowell and Ratey point out, "attention deficit disorder" is a highly misleading description of an intriguing kind of mind. Original, charismatic, energetic, often brilliant, people with ADD have extraordinary talents and gifts embedded in their highly charged but easily distracted minds. Tailored expressly to ADD learning styles and attention spans, Delivered from Distraction provides accessible, engaging discussions of every aspect of the condition, from diagnosis to finding the proper treatment regime. Inside you'll discover:

  • whether ADD runs in families
  • the links between ADD and other conditions
  • how people with ADD can free up their inner talents and strengths
  • the new drugs and how they work, and why they're not for everyone
  • sexual problems associated with ADD and how to resolve them
  • strategies for dealing with procrastination, clutter, and chronic forgetfulness

ADD is a trait, it only becomes a disorder when it impairs your life. Featuring gripping profiles of patients with ADD who have triumphed, Delivered from Distraction is a wise, loving guide to releasing the positive energy that all people with ADD hold inside. If you have ADD or care about someone who does, this is the book you must read.

©2005 E. Hallowell and J. Ratey (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"An excellent resource." (Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about Delivered From Distraction

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

A real Wow Book

I had just been diagnosed (as an adult) with ADD. I purched this audio book and wish that I had it years ago. It could have helped me and helped my son so much. I laughed at things I found in myself and I cried at both the new power of knowing what was wrong with me and the struggle that others share and that I identified with. If you have ADD or suspect that you or someone you love has it GET THIS BOOK NOW!

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38 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

ADD Version

I first downloaded the unabridged version but never got finished listening to it. This edition is just the right speed for Add'ers. It gives a lot of ideas and knowledge, I learned lots of tricks that I use daily from this book.

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31 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good choice (until something better comes along)

It's difficult to find information about ADHD in adults. Most things are geared more for parents helping their children.

This audio book mostly does a good job at sticking to information that is useful for adults with ADHD, except for a *long* chapter on how parents can help their children in college. Yes, most college student are over 18, but this doesn't really count as "information for adults" since it's aimed at the parents and not the students.

But the book does do a nice job of talking about issues like the DSM definitions and terminology, and how they've changed, and about the various medications available.

This book is an acceptable substitute until someone finally does produce an audio book strictly aimed at people who are diagnosed with ADHD later in life.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent for anyone struggling with ADHD.

What made the experience of listening to Delivered From Distraction the most enjoyable?

Edward Hallowell speaks in a very casual, easy to understand manner, and explains causes, treatments and therapies in simple, non-critical and helpful way.

Which character – as performed by Edward M. Hallowell – was your favorite?

The author's portrayal of himself with ADHD.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but I finished it over 2-3 days.

Any additional comments?

As an adult with I attentive ADHD, I often struggle with guilt, shame, and ridicule about not being able to organize, prioritize and complete tasks in a timely manner...like "normal people," or at least those without this condition. The book liberated my thoughts and emotions about having ADHD, and gave me hope that I can thrive with the right treatment t and support systems in place.

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15 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Found this very helpful

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook. It gave me a lot of great tips and ideas for managing my ADD. I have listened to it multiple times (duh) and its not only informative but inspirational. Very highly recommended. I'll most likely download the unabridged version as well.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very helpful

I was diagnosed with adult ADD 1.5 years ago at 40 years old. My doctor prescribed the book, "Driven to Distraction" for me to read as my first visit and to come back after I read it. Unbelievable! What relief! It was a book about my life! I discovered "Audible.Com" and this book at about the same time it became available. Dr. Hallowell very correctly indicates that the 'knowing' provides the first most important part of the relief. I highly recommend this book if you want the latest information and research.

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Great first step

The abridged version does exactly what was intended- make the information digestible to those who would otherwise get stuck between the jacket cover and preface. For me, it was just the right blend to interest me enough to go for the unabridged version. The unique perspective of the author's credentialed expertise and personal involvement makes for a very enjoyable and informative listen. The narration is spot on. The book loses a point for having more women's-magazine 3rd person stories than i like, but it is a style issue, a time issue, that does not detract from the book.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I feel normal

I'm only 1 chapter in and I've already cried twice. I've never felt so validated - special even! I never realized that my ADD is a characteristic that has strengths and makes me special and unique.
Will review again when I've finished.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Dated but relevant

Written in the early 2000s, there may be advances in medication, but the rest of the book and advice about how to live well with ADD is helpful. It is also helpful did the author has ADD himself. The book also gives hope to those who live with ADD and to those who have ADD people in their lives.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Worth the 3 Hours

A wonderful, easy to absorb, insight into the world of ADD...if you have anyone that you care about that has ADD you will enrich their lives and yours by understanding the issues and learning how to maximize their potential and your relationship!

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4 people found this helpful