“If you read only one book about attention deficit disorder, it should be Delivered from Distraction.”—Michael Thompson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling co-author of Raising Cain
In 1994, Driven to Distraction sparked a revolution in our understanding of attention deficit disorder. Widely recognized as the classic in the field, the book has sold more than a million copies. 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
• new diagnostic procedures, tests, and evaluations
• 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
• exciting advances in nonpharmaceutical therapies, including changes in diet, exercise, and lifestyle
• how to adapt the classic twelve-step program to treat ADD
• sexual problems associated with ADD and how to resolve them
• strategies for dealing with procrastination, clutter, and chronic forgetfulness
ADD is a trait, a way of living in the world. 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.
Praise for Delivered from Distraction
“The definitive source of information on attention deficit disorder.”—Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D., director, Child Study Center, New York University School of Medicine
“A deeply wise and truly helpful book, written with frankness, humor, and tremendous empathy.”—Perri Klass, M.D., co-author of Quirky Kids
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"I think I have ADD! I have known it all of my life. When I was in first grade, the teacher dumped my messy desk over in front of the entire class, humiliating me as a way of improving my behavior. In high school, I wrote a research paper on Alzheimer's disease and I thought that maybe that was what I had but knew from my research that it wasn't a young person's disease. This book is great for helping those of us who need the boost to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis. It de-stigmatizes the condition and provides helpful advice for anyone seeking help."
— Janean (5 out of 5 stars)
What is unique and particularly valuable in Hallowell and Ratey’s approach is the hopeful message, insistently repeated, that ‘at the heart of ADD lies a bonanza of wonderful qualities,’ and that in treatment, these strengths and talents can and should be identified and developed.
— Charles Magraw, M.D., past president, Boston Psychoanalytic Society and InstituteA deeply wise and truly helpful book, written with frankness, humor, and tremendous empathy. As a pediatrician, I have been recommending Driven to Distraction to parents for many years, and this new book brings the reader fully up to date in a rapidly changing field, combining the important information about the science and treatment of ADD with powerful advice about getting through life, succeeding in life, and enjoying life.
— Perri Klass, M.D., co-author of Quirky KidsEdward Hallowell has written a comprehensive, easy-to-understand book on ADD. This is clearly the definitive source of information on Attention Deficit Disorder.
— Harold S. Koplewicz, M.D., director, Child Study Center, New York University School of Medicine“Delivered from Distraction is just what it promises. In this remarkable volume, Ned Hallowell and John Ratey bring the latest information on ADD to homes and hearts everywhere, conveying the burgeoning scientific information with humor, hope, and clarity. As the authors point out, ADD needn't be a sentence to secondhand status. The ADDer who hearkens to their sage and practical whole-life advice will make the most of his or her talents. This book is certain to be a classic for the next decade.
— Peter S. Jensen, M.D., Ruane Professor of Child Psychiatry, director, Center for the Advancement of Children’s Mental Health, Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute “If you read only one book about attention deficit disorder, it should be Delivered from Distraction. No two psychiatrists in America have thought more deeply about ADD than Ned Hallowell and John Ratey, and no one writes about it with more feeling, understanding, and accuracy. Most important, Hallowell and Ratey share their wisdom about living a good life with ADD. What an optimistic and helpful book!" Very little information on methods to combat ADD. "
— Pammy, 12/4/2022" This book takes a very positive approach toward ADD/ADHD, whilst giving the reader very practical, balanced advice. I found it immensely helpful. "
— Barbara, 2/18/2014" I really like the parts of this book that I have had a chance to read. I loaned it to some lady who has a kid with ADD and if he ever remembers to return it I will read some more. "
— Crazy, 2/16/2014" Good information, but also overwhelming. "
— Sonja, 1/26/2014" I loved listening to Dr. Hallowell's abridged presentation of this book. His manner is warm and professional at the same time. This is an informative and optimistic introduction to ADHD for anyone who has traits of ADHD or has children (or a spouse) who might have them. "
— Christina, 1/18/2014" After reading one reviewer who thought it "kind of a mishmash of disjointed thoughts", I wondered if perhaps that might be the difference between the mind not affected by ADD (his) and the mind affected by ADD (mine). I found it useful in understanding some of my own idiosyncracies, working with some of the young people in my ministry, and in research for some of my papers. And to me, it was not disjointed at all...I had no problem finding exactly what I needed. "
— Carla, 12/29/2013" at this juncture, i've read a lot of add/adhd books, so finding a book that has something fresh or new to offer is rare. however, i think this book could be an excellent starting point for someone who thinks s/he has add/adhd or thinks that her/his child might. "
— ACB, 12/25/2013" Horrible! Inaccurate! Read Russell Barkley if you want any information that's worthwhile. "
— Janean, 12/14/2013" Insightiful! Excellent! "
— Isa, 12/1/2013" Good book about living with ADHD. Not much that was really new material, but reconfirmed some ideas. Well presented. "
— Jan, 11/18/2013" really great book if you want to get a better understanding of ADHD. A good book for a family member of someone with an ADHD brain :) "
— Suzanne, 11/17/2013" A great guide for learning how to make ADD work for you.! "
— Kristen, 10/19/2013" No other book on the subject tells it just like it is like Delivered from Distraction. (At least, not that I've ever read.) "
— Aaron, 2/27/2013" If you know someone who has ADHD or have it yourself, this book is excellent. "
— Joshua, 12/24/2012" It was like reading an biography of my life. The book gave a wide variety of strategies for treating and lessening the symptoms of ADHD. Amust read for anyone who suffers from or is close to someone who suffers from ADHD. "
— Nicholas, 9/25/2012" It had good resources with local resources. I was more looking for children with ADHD , but am glad I read the book. It really showed me what and how their brains , feelings, twitches and other distractions lead up to. A very positive read. "
— Lori, 8/29/2012" This book helped me put my entire life into perspective and was a turning point for me. A MUST READ for anyone with ADD or in a relationship with someone who has ADD. "
— Adam, 2/12/2012" A very interesting read. I was amazed by how well this book described me. And am keen to try and implement some of the suggestions Hallowell has made "
— Kez, 2/7/2012" Any one with ADD this is life changing!! "
— Ggbmama, 1/20/2012" Valuable for anyone suffering from or related to someone suffering from ADHD. I enjoyed the concrete suggestions and explanation of the condition, don't have a lot of use for the case studies and testimonials. "
— Professor, 1/13/2012" Second book giving ways to remain focused in the everyday struggles of ADHD "
— Mark, 12/7/2011" Skimmed it but found it very helpful! "
— Cindy, 8/5/2011" Very helpful!!! "
— Amy, 6/25/2011" Written by two MD's, both of which are Harvard Medical school instructors. This book was so insightful and bursting at the seams with great information. A must read. This book is not just for those with ADD, but for everyone. Can't say enough good about this book. "
— Janet, 6/18/2011" It was ok. Great intro into ADD and its medications. "
— Mscharlee, 6/11/2011" Great info to go with Driven to Distraction. Good for anyone wanting to know nuts and bolts about ADHD "
— Montrudd, 6/11/2011" This book takes a very positive approach toward ADD/ADHD, whilst giving the reader very practical, balanced advice. I found it immensely helpful. "
— Barbara, 5/24/2011" A must-read for anyone who believes they have ADHD, were recently diagnosed, diagnosed years ago and also for family members and friends of those with ADHD "
— Bibliophile, 3/3/2011" Full of lots of practical advice. Research based. This is a helpful read even if you don't have ADD. I really like the authors perspective and how he emphasizes focusing on strengths. "
— Nicole, 2/18/2011" Got about half-way through. I do not have ADD. "
— Mark, 1/17/2011" Maybe 5 stars is a little gracious for this book, but it was the first one I've read on ADD, and it answer all my questions and kept me interested in the subject matter from start to finish. Very informative and would recommend to anyone that has questions about ADD/ADHD. Excellent. "
— Jill, 12/27/2010" It was like reading an biography of my life. The book gave a wide variety of strategies for treating and lessening the symptoms of ADHD. Amust read for anyone who suffers from or is close to someone who suffers from ADHD. "
— Nicholas, 12/22/2010" Just as informative and useful as 'Driven to Distraction' but perhaps more useful for a person with ADD given the shorter, more easy-to-focus-on sections. Content largely similar but updated by time and more accessible from format. <br/> "
— Aaron, 12/21/2010" I highly recommend this book if you are dealing with ADHD. "
— Starket, 6/12/2010" really great book if you want to get a better understanding of ADHD. A good book for a family member of someone with an ADHD brain :) "
— Suzanne, 5/25/2010" This helped me get my mind around ADD and be a help to those with it. He is wonderfully readable and easy to understand and makes you feel that you are his friend. "
— Deborah, 4/27/2010" No other book on the subject tells it just like it is like Delivered from Distraction. (At least, not that I've ever read.) "
— Aaron, 2/20/2010" The best comprehensive, adult or child ADD book I've found. Hallowell is a genial, knowledgeable guide through a complex subject. "
— Skyler, 2/4/2010Edward M. Hallowell, MD, author and psychiatrist for adults and children, was an instructor at Harvard Medical School for over twenty years. He is now the director of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health in New York City and Sudbury, Massachusetts. He is the author of Crazy Busy and coauthor of Driven to Distraction.
Dr. John Ratey is a clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. He is the author of numerous bestselling and groundbreaking books, including Driven to Distraction and A User’s Guide to the Brain. He lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he has a private practice.