Driven to Distraction

Publisher's Summary

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.

©1995 Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D. All rights reserved. ©1995 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved. (P)2013 Simon & Schuster

If you or a loved one has ADHD, this is a must-read.

The most important book for helping me understand my life with adult ADHD. So glad it was on Audible. I've had the print version for years, but kept getting distracted from finishing it.

9 of 9 people found this review helpful

So many lists

While I absolutely loved the lessons that this book gave me I couldn't help but notice that the book does lists very regularly. These weren't very short lists either so it made it slightly difficult to stay on track with the book. I did especially enjoy the stories of others that struggle with ADHD. It helps to know that you are not alone when it comes to these things. I would recommended this book to adults looking to educate themselves on ADHD.

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Informative

As an adult with a husband, 2 kids under 4, a full-time job in a classroom and a budding business owner I thought I was lazy, crazy, and something was just missing. Everything I tried to do from lesson plans, to baby schedules, to cooking, etc took me 2-3 times longer than my peers. I was diagnosed with moderate to severe ADD in August and my dr recommended this book. I bought it right away but was never able to read much because of my lack of focus and time. The audible version was perfect and I just about cried as every new topic, every case study, every description is what I had been living with my whole life but has gradually gotten worse as my responsibilities increased. I had my husband listen too and it has really added another level to his understanding of me and what I go through on a daily basis. While the information wasn’t a cure it certainly is a great starting point to a better understanding of what add is and what it does in my life. It is definitely a better alternative to researching online which would lead to 1,000 open tabs of partially skimmed information and new avenues to explore and coming out the other end none the wiser.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A Bit Outdated

While this book is helpful in some ways, and continues to inspire hope within many who struggle with ADD (particularly in adults), some of the information is quite outdated. During the 1980's and early 90's, not much was known about Autism Spectrum Disorders, therefore some of the anecdotes used seem to describe forms of high functioning ASD rather than ADD, though they do share some overlapping symptoms. Overall, it's not a bad read; if one has spare time and happens to be curious about this book, I would not try to dissuade anyone... just keep in mind that there are better, more up to date reads on the subject.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

ABetyer Understanding of ADHD

Nice, matter of fact narration. If you have ADHD, recommend listening at 1.15 speed and possibly have a paper copy to follow along with when listening. (Or take notes, if that's one of your strategies for paying attention)

the book itself is very good, especially since it's written by someone who has ADHD, and plenty of stories from others who have it. Information on meds somewhat dated, but the strategies and talk about effects of ADHD on those who have it and people around them (us) is still timely and worth the listen

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

A must for those with or close to ADD

I'm 35 and was diagnosed with ADHD just a few years ago. Being diagnosed answered a lot of questions, but also left a lot unanswered. Why can it be so hard to focus on a task, but then I'm able to hyper-focus at times too? Maybe my diagnosis was wrong? Through the stories of the patients in this book, I got a much better understanding of how ADHD shows up. There were several stories that were so similar to mine, and seeing these patients' experience was such a relief to me. I also had my wife listen in on a couple specific sections that I felt explained what happens in my head better than I have been able to, which has provided some benefit and ease in our relationship.

This book is long- ironically so, given the audience, and I'm sure glad it is on Audible as I couldn't have focused well enough to read it on paper. Though long, I do see the value in the broad coverage of the topic and stories covering the spectrum of how this disorder appears in people's lives.

The narrator was very pleasant. His voice is soothingly wonderful, and perfect for this potentially challenging topic.

I highly recommend this book!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Excellent Book

This book while kind of dry at times was excellent. I learned so much about myself and my family. I feel a sense of relief about who I am. I am more self accepting as well.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Very helpful!

Helps me to understand the syndrome. A lot of unexplained things leading to questions of charachter flaw gets answered.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good in general

Good in general though somewhat dated (eg. Makes reference to DSM-III, instead of DSM-5 (which includes adult ADHD), doesn't reference newer drugs. research etc).

4 of 6 people found this review helpful

Not what I wanted

the book starts off nicely and interestingly but then right around the second story, the author starts recommending medications and subtly criticising other forms of self medication, even though we know for a fact that more people die from prescription medications than from other "self medication" drugs.
I also don't think the answer to my problem with concentration is to force myself to keep schedules, notes and a plan for each month.
while I'm sure that the author provides a solution for a lot of people, but I enjoy the chaos and I like having 0 plans, I prefer listening to multiple podcasts -- concurrently -- and at the same time trying to focus on a task (even though it doesn't usually work well) than to keep writing and planning days and days of my life.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Just what I needed to hear!

Hooray for this book! I have finally heard something that perfectly sums up how I've felt all my life. I'm not going crazy after all!

All jokes aside, this book is expertly written and backed up with both anecdotes and medical studies.

As someone with suspected adhd (awaiting consult), I did wonder if I would be able to make it through with the narrator's long drawn voice. So much so that I nearly didn't buy it. I'm so glad I did though. The narration was engaging and kept my interest throughout. It was a great tool for keeping me in one room at a time while I cleaned!!

Will definitely be listening again (as I have forgotten most of the things I want to take from this book hahaha!).

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Really helpful and insightful book

After "ignoring" my childhood diagnosis of ADD after highschool, I've run into myself so many times it's a wonder I made it this far. Still, the amount of unfinished and unfulfilled plans, projects and ideas is weighing me down. This book gave me insight of where it is coming from and how I might cope with it in the future.
I'd recommend this book for everyone that has ADD or a loved one with. It made me work on myself again and recognise that some of my "quirks" have a basis in ADD and can be treated.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I expect every ADD Adult would benefit reading

This book, which I listened to via audio books, was great. Insightful, compelling and written in a format/structure that I found very beneficial. My first ever audio, something I am no doubt hooked on now.

Best way to start your journey

It's the best way to start learning about your ADHD. It's easy to understand and full of personal stories.

Comprehensive, informative, reassuring

As a parent whose daughter has recently been diagnosed with ADHD/ADD, I found this book very helpful. The information is clearly presented, it is comprehensive in its explanation of key topics such as diagnosis and medication, and it provides good hints and tips to help manage ADHD.

I especially liked the fact that the authors (both of whom have ADD so know what they are talking about!) are sure to highlight the positives of this condition and how to work it to your best advantage. The various case studies were also good to hear real life examples.

Definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to know more as they step into the world of ADD/ADHD.