Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD

Gripping insights into Attention Deficit Disorder from two psychiatrists offer hope and understanding to millions struggling with this often misunderstood condition.

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Summary

Driven to Distraction, co-authored by psychiatrists Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD, debunks common misconceptions about Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). First published in 1994, this seminal work has become a go-to resource for anyone struggling to understand and manage this disorder, whether as a parent, a partner, or a sufferer. The authors offer a nuanced view of ADD and its various manifestations through not just clinical insights from their extensive experience but also real-life stories of both children and adults. The book's success led to several follow-up works by the authors, including Delivered from Distraction and ADHD 2.0.

Plot

Driven to Distraction explores the complex world of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) through vivid patient stories. Drawing on their extensive clinical experience treating patients with ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), psychiatrists Dr. Edward M. Hallowell and Dr. John J. Ratey offer a comprehensive look at this often misunderstood condition.

Using real-life accounts, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey present the various manifestations of ADD, ranging from hyperactivity to daydreaming, to illustrate how it affects both children and adults in their daily lives. The authors delve into the challenges faced by individuals with ADD, including difficulties with focus, organization, and impulse control, providing a detailed picture of how these symptoms can impact relationships, work, and personal growth.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to discussing the importance of accurate diagnosis. Drs. Hallowell and Ratey emphasize how proper identification of ADD can be life-changing for many individuals who have struggled without understanding the root cause of their difficulties. The authors go on to explore various diagnostic methods and criteria used to identify ADD in different age groups.

The final part of Driven to Distraction focuses on treatment options and their transformative effects. Drs. Hallowell and Ratey present a range of approaches, from medication to behavioral therapies and lifestyle changes. Through patient stories, the authors demonstrate how appropriate treatment can lead to significant improvements in focus, productivity, and overall quality of life for those with ADD .

Themes

Understanding and diagnosing ADD
Various manifestations of ADD symptoms
Impact of proper diagnosis on treatment
Strategies for managing ADD in adults and children
Relationship between ADD and creativity
Societal misconceptions about ADD
Importance of individualized treatment approaches

Setting

Driven to Distraction draws on the authors' extensive clinical experience treating patients with ADD throughout the late 20th century. The cases and research discussed in the book primarily cover the 1980s and early 1990s. This period saw significant advancements in understanding and diagnosing ADD, making the book's insights particularly relevant to its contemporary audience.

Characters

Dr. Edward M. Hallowell: Co-author, a practicing psychiatrist specializing in ADD. He draws from his personal experiences with ADD and his clinical work to provide insights and treatment strategies. Dr. Hallowell brings a compassionate and understanding approach to discussing ADD, aiming to destigmatize the condition.
Dr. John J. Ratey: Co-author, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Ratey contributes his expertise in neuroscience and extensive clinical experience to provide a comprehensive understanding of ADD. He helps explain the neurological basis of ADD and how it affects behavior and cognition.
Various Patients: The book features numerous case studies of both adults and children with ADD. These unnamed individuals illustrate the diverse ways ADD can manifest and the challenges it presents in daily life. Their stories provide real-world examples that readers can relate to and learn from.

Quick facts

Driven to Distraction was co-authored by Edward M. Hallowell, MD, and John J. Ratey, MD, both psychiatrists and experts in ADD.
The book was first published in 1994 and became a bestseller, helping to increase public awareness about ADD and ADHD.
Driven to Distraction was one of the first books to present ADD as a potentially positive trait rather than a disorder.
The authors coined the term “attention deficit trait” (ADT) to describe a condition similar to ADD but caused by our modern, overstimulated lifestyle.
Driven to Distraction includes a self-assessment questionnaire to help readers identify potential ADD symptoms.
Drs. Hallowell and Ratey emphasize the importance of proper diagnosis and individualized treatment plans for ADD.
The authors discuss various treatment options, including medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Driven to Distraction has been updated and revised several times since its initial publication to incorporate new research and understanding of ADD and ADHD.
The success of Driven to Distraction led to several follow-up books by the authors, including Delivered from Distraction and ADHD 2.0.

About the Author

Edward M. Hallowell, MD, is a renowned psychiatrist and leading authority on Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. He has written more than 20 books on various psychological topics. His groundbreaking Driven to Distraction (1994), co-authored with Dr. John Ratey, revolutionized the understanding of ADD and ADHD. His work has been featured in national media and major television programs, including 20/20, 60 Minutes, and Oprah.

A graduate of Harvard College and Tulane Medical School, Dr. Halloweel served on the faculty of Harvard Medical School for 21 years before founding The Hallowell ADHD Centers, which now have locations across the United States. Having ADHD and dyslexia himself, Dr. Hallowell has dedicated his career to helping children and adults with these conditions recognize their differences as strengths and lead happy, productive lives. He hosts a podcast, Dr. Hallowell's Wonderful World of Different, dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity in its many forms.

John J. Ratey, MD, is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in neuropsychiatry. He has published 12 books, including the groundbreaking ADD-ADHD Driven to Distraction series with Dr. Edward Hallowell. Their latest release, ADHD 2.0 (2021) explores new science and strategies. He is also the author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, a national bestseller that established him as a leading authority on the brain-fitness connection in ADHD, autism, aging, and cognition.

Recognized by his peers as one of the Best Doctors in America since 1997, Dr. Ratey was recently honored by the Massachusetts Psychiatric Society as "Outstanding Psychiatrist of the Year" for advancing the field. Dr. Ratey and his work are frequently profiled in the media. He has been featured on ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, and NPR, as well as in The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, US News and World Report, and Men’s Health.