Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood through Adulthood by John J. Ratey and Edward M. Hallowell (1995, Paperback, Reprint)

I recently purchased this book when I was diagnosed with adult ADD. I found it to be the most informative book there is on the subject of ADD and ADHD. What I really liked about the book is how it was presented with other cases, where other adults my age shared the struggles with their lives, I didn't feel so crazy. The setup of diagnosis was excellent as well, considering the common society reaction to ADD and ADHD is that everyone has it. It constantly lets the reader be aware that there are other factors that should be looked over first before continuing with the diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ADD/ADHD, has children who have been diagnosed, have friends, family or even a lover that has or might have ADD/ADHD. It will answer questions, relieve stress and help get you started in a direction you need to be going in.

It is ironic that at one time I believed that AD/HD was a figment of the American imagination. Then ADD came home one day and I realized the hard way that ADD is a real affliction and that my own attitude perpetuated the misinformation that I now have to work against to help my children achieve the most out of life.
This book was recommended to my husband and I by our son's therapist and phsychologist. As usual, I procrastinated in reading it. But once I did finally purchase the book and start reading it, our lives have been flooded with help and hope! I love the style of the writing, and the fact that the authors themselves have ADD and can understand the frustration, futility, and worry that we have been experiencing with our children. It was like reading our life stories and private moments! As a nurse, I particularly found the etiology and physiology chapter enlightening.
We also love that this book highlights the unique and special qualities that people with AD/HD have and how to capitalize on those qualities. It also includes famous people with AD/HD.
Our son and daughter are now in capable care, and are recieving the best treatment possible. And now we are armed with information to work with our children's schools to help make school less anxiety-provoking for the teachers as well as our kids.
If you even think you may have a child with ADHD or that you may have it, pick up this book. Pick it up if you know someone whos has AD/HD!
It is now known that AD/HD runs in families. Imagine my surprise when I was diagnosed with ADD! Now in treatment, the difference is like night and day! Watch out world!

This is a MUST read for everyone dealing with ADD--either in her child or in a close adult. Yes, it does affect adults, and this book brings everything together for explanation,understanding, and as many solutions as possible with this VERY disturbing disorder. I've studied for 20 years to help my son, and this book says it all--even some of the very technical brain function information. Mostly, it helps people know they're not crazy, not imagining, and not to blame!. Read it! Read it! Pass it on to anyone trying to live with an ADD person or who may think he himslef has ADD. There is help, but you have to search and be persistent. Driven to Distraction lessens the search and gives hope!

I have struggled with depression as long as I can remember. Finally, when my first child was diagnosed with ADD and he got meds that helped him tremendously, I saw many of his issues in my own life. I bought this book, read it, and was amazed. I got diagnosed later as having adult ADD, and have since been getting treated for it. My life is now becoming so much less frustrating. Without this book, I may have never thought to ask my doctor if I might have ADD. They just kept treating me for depression. Untreated ADD often causes depression. The more you know, the more help you can get. Mental health industry is not a science. They cannot test your blood and tell you: "Oh You have ADD, and anxiety." If you never think to ask, your doctor may not ask you either, about ADD. I wish I would have read this book when it came out in the 1990's, I might have saved myself a lot of misery by getting treatment earlier. If you even suspect you might have ADD, this book is worth reading. I don't think this book is a doctor, it cannot diagnose you. But it is a great discovery tool, that you can discuss with your doctor, if you fell you "might" have it.

This is the best book I have read so far that addresses ADD/ADHD in adults.ADD/ADHD comes in so many forms and this book gives so many terric examples of how ADHD/ADD may look in diferent personality types.
If you or a teen/adult family member have or suspect ADD/ADHD this a must read!
It is well writen and easy to follow,with wonderful examples.