Delivered From Distraction

Getting the Most Out of Life with Attention Deficit Disorder

By: Edward M. Hallowell M.D., John J. Ratey M.D.

Narrated by: Edward M. Hallowell M.D.

Length: 3 hrs and 3 mins

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)

A Great Overview of ADHD

I really enjoyed how Drs. Hollowell and Ratey provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD. I especially appreciated the descriptions of ADHD as a disorder, and ADHD as a trait.

This book provides insight into the diagnosis, treatments (including medicinal and non-medicinal) and other “simple” things we can do to put ourselves in the best positions for happiness and success. They address both adult and child ADHD, but as an adult without children I found a lot of the time spent on ADHD in children to be enlightening for myself and there is plenty of content for adults.

It was also enjoyable as a shorter option, and even provides a high-level overview of the entire book at the beginning (acknowledging that those of us with ADHD might struggle to get through the entire thing). It might not answer all of your questions, but it’s a winner if you’re looking for good information.

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!

Just What I Needed

I have ADHD, the inattentive variety. I'm 31 and got diagnosed just this year, although I've battled with it all my life. This book truly put on paper all the trials, tribulations, and wonderment of my life as I've experienced it through the filter of this disorder. I found it to be critically educational in the most effective of ways. All the material I've been given prior to finding this book that educate on the subject of ADHD have been uninspiring, impersonal and laborious to get through. This publication however was deeply empathetic, delivered in a way that kept my interest and genuinely educated me with such an effective method that I know feel empowered. After listening to this book, I am able to forgive myself easier and release the stigma associated with this disorder that I was simply lazy, unmotivated, misguided and would never reach my potential. I actually feel special now, like I have a rare gift that when used correctly helps me to tap into a beauty in this world that others struggle more to experience. I also feel invigorated with the simple, but profound tools illustrated in the book to better manage my ADHD and actualize it as a gift rather than a burden. It is a short but powerful listen (that i'm going to listen to again right now), and I highly recommend it to anyone with ADHD, of either the hyperactive or inattentive kind, and/or anyone who may have people close to them that have ADHD.

I am a person with ADD

I found the information very useful I put many bookmarks into this audiobook. I like the way they give you an overview of useful information in the first chapters to see if you're interested in more detailed information later in the audiobook

wow, I'm not alone!!

Ive been in denial of my add because I never saw it as a strength...the author explains we are supercharged and how to work with add, the beginning of our potential.

ADD Savior!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I recently was diagnosed with ADD. For years I felt incompetant, stupid, slow etc. This book helped me so much and I would recommend it to anyone!!

What did you like best about this story?

there wasn't any fluff. straight to the point. Which if you are ADD that is very important to keep our attention

Eye opening!!

Such a good book!! I have listened to it three times and have learned something new everytime.

Adult ADHD

The author was full of great info, He a lot on Adhd medications I was unaware of.

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!

great info! will listen to this again

will listen to this book again. check it out. you will find lots of good info