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: Dan Cashman

Length: 13 hrs and 21 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 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

"An excellent resource." (Publishers Weekly)

shockingly true

Would you consider the audio edition of Delivered From Distraction to be better than the print version?

Could not believe the truth that I heard! It summarized the life of someone that has ADD or ADHD

What did you like best about this story?

That it was easy reading, like a story, but factual and very helpful

Have you listened to any of Dan Cashman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never have listened to him before, but will from now on

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Help is here

good starting point

Good starting point on the path to diagnosis or self treatment options for people who feel like they may have ADD

Great Advice and Information

Although this is very dated for 2023 (having been written in 2005), there is still many things about ADHD that do not change. Definitely a good listen especially for those of us who would’ve never been able to focus long enough to sit down and read this book. This audiobook is perfect for our active brains!

Wonderfully enlightening

What an incredible book on this politically and emotionally-charged subject! Written by practicing MDs who work with both children and adults who have ADD/ADHD as well as a variety of other challenges, this book is highly informative for the person who is newly-diagnosed with ADD/ADHD, or who is just trying to make the most of their life while living with ADD/ADHD. Drs. Hallowell and Ratey have a very positive and uplifting writing style on the subject, and they focus on getting the most out of your life, or your loved ones' lives without causing shame, guilt, or fear in the person who suffers from symptoms of ADD. I was impressed with the vast number of resources available in this book for everything from ADD to personal coaches. This book is one of the best I have read on the subject. I wholeheartedly recommend it!

at 1st I kept nodding. Then I started crying

At first I kept nodding in agreement. I recently been diagnosed and trying to find my way to make this work for me.

I listened to the story about Sophie and it brought me back to being in school and all the horrible pain I suffered because of it. My parents never thought to seek help for it they just thought I was being rebellious. I missed so many opportunities in my life. I barely graduated highschool or college and it wasn't because I was dumb I was really really smart. I just kept losing things, or forgeting deadlines. I developed horrible anxiety. sometimes skipping class because i was an hour late and I was embarrassed it happened so many times. I knew I had ADD,and I always fought against it. Everyone just called me a Space Cadet, or Blondie(I'm a Brunette btw). I have always had so many big dreams and got to a point I felt like giving up. I have so much anxiety now. I finally caved and got medication. Not one person in my life supported me getting it. I explained it to my mom and she still says it's an excuse... I wish I found this book years ago. both my brother's obviously have ADD my nieces and nephews do too.. never let anyone stop you from getting help. Never let anyone make you feel you can't be helped. This book if you have ADD makes you feel like it was written about you and for you. It makes you realize you're not alone, and there are real solutions for your life. There are people highly functioning with this, and they have found a way to see it as a gift and not a curse. There are moments that the light bulb clicked and I understood myself in ways I never have before...

I have taken many breaks and most books I rarely finish. this is one I know I will continue to listen too until I do

ADHD from an ADHD MD = heartfelt real advice

This is a great book! I will recommend to several people and patients I have (I am an ADHD Chiropractor).

Covers all of the topics in thoughtful manner and just amount of depth. I just finished a differnt book that feel cold and clincial. Though I learned some extra facts from it the advice in the other book felt lacking perspective that perspective ... the tone of advice felt like as the book phrases so succinctly" just try harder".

plann on relistening to this a few more times to really ingrain it in my head.

Read this. Period.

This book is outstanding.
It is technical but compassionate.
Absolutely a must read if you think you may have ADHD or simply have trouble focusing.

really helpful tips that everyone can't benefit.

really helpful tips that everyone can't benefit. Listened on the way to work. Ready to apply 9 to 5

Get the abridged first, then this

Very informative and interesting. The woman's magazine style of plenty of 3rd party stories will appeal to many in giving life to the information. The price of that is time. The abridged version gives you a very good 50k foot view, and when you can linger, give this a listen. Good narration, as well. Listen to the Amen book 'Change Your Brain...' as a companion book.

excellent book and well read

I used to believe that most of my problems were unique to me and through this book I discovered that I am far more exactly like the examples in the book that I could have ever imagined. this isn't exactly a good thing however the book does have a lot of nice solutions and advice and I found to be very helpful