Editorial Review

This clear and valuable book dispels a variety of myths about attention deficit disorder (ADD). Since both authors have ADD themselves, and both are successful medical professionals, perhaps there's no surprise that the two myths they attack most persistently are: Read more

Reviews (102)

Well Written
This book was suggested to me ater recently being diagnosed with ADHD. Anyone who has a brother, sister, child, mother or friend with ADHD should read this book. Because it is so well written it gives the reader real insight into how the ADHD mind intereprets and responds to everyday activities. Books like this one will help to dispell the myth that ADHD= "hyperactive, over drugged kids who refuse to pay attention" and "lazy, irresponsible adults looking for excuses".

This should be required reading to get a prescription!!!
It's simple, any parent filling a prescription for any ADD medication for thier child should have to first read this book or any other written by Dr. Hallowell. My son was diagnosed 9 years ago and I knew I connected with him better than anyone else but I didn't know why. Since 1 year ago I was diagnosed I started to understand but until I read this book and a couple of others (I think I have close to 15 ADD books) and realized what A.D.D really is I didn't get it. I'm not sure someone who is not gifted with A.D.D will ever really get it but if they read more books like this one maybe they would at least understand a little more and minimize the damage created by trying to fit the child into their small world.

Amazing
I never ever finish books and I read this in a few days.It describes me to a T.Not only is the subject matter interesting but the author is funny and the book is entertaining.I loved the cough drop syndrom story.The cough drop syndrom is totally my life.
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Subjects:  1. Attention deficit disorders    2. Attention-deficit disorder in    3. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    4. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    5. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    6. General    7. Health/Fitness    8. Parenting - Hyperactivity    9. Popular works    10. Psychology    11. Coping with personal problems    12. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Editorial Review

Medication? Maybe. Marry the right person and find the right job? A must if you are an adult suffering from ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). So say psychiatrists Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey, authors of the influential Read more

Reviews (35)

Book of hope
This book gives lots of case stories of adults with ADD.The book is long, but easy to read.There is lots of information about ADD, its diagnosis, and the newest treatments for it.But most of all, this book offers lots of hope for adults with ADD, that they can have happy and full, productive lives.

Finally, Somebody knows what they're talking about
As an adult with ADHD, I really appreciated this book's frank approach to all the sides of having ADHD. The authors have it too, which helps, because they are successful professionals. I am a professional who plans to be more successful once my doctor and I get my medication right. I have read it twice now and will continue to use the book as an invaluable resource.

Must Read
Eay to understand.All the basic information you need to understand the condition of ADD. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder    2. Attention-deficit disorder in    3. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    4. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    5. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    6. Cognition Disorders    7. General    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Learning Disabilities    11. Popular works    12. Psychology    13. Psychology & Psychiatry / Personality   

Reviews (9)

Good AD/HD Resource
When I was first diagnosed as ADHD (emphasis on the "H"), I craved knowledge on the subject.I turned to this book and learned so much.However, true to my inattentiveness, I haven't actually FINISHED reading the book!It's one of those things that comes with so much information I can only absorb it in small doses.So I read the chapters as they become meaningful for me in my journey of coping with ADD.Eventually I'll finish the book.Especially meaningful has been the section of "Women in the Workplace".
Must Read
This book will be a validating reading experience for any woman who has AD/HD, not to mention those in her family who want to understand her better.The author breaks down the symptoms, perceptions and realities of AD/HD so that the reader can get a clearer picture of what AD/HD is for women and what can be done in order to improve their lives.There are many references included in the book so continued research and reading is made easy.Do not pass this book by - you'll miss out on some VERY important information that will change your life for the better.

Fantastic
The answer to so many of my questions. For me, as a woman that has just been diagnosed with ADD on my 52nd birthday, this book has been a life saver. A must read for all women who suspect they may have it, think someone they know might have it or has already been diagnosed with it. This is my personal favorite out of all the books on this subject. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    4. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    5. Attention-deficit-disordered a    6. Attention-deficit-disordered adults    7. General    8. Health & Fitness    9. Health/Fitness    10. Medical    11. Mental Disorders    12. Mental Health    13. Psychology Of Women    14. Psychopathology - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD--ADHD)    15. Self-Help    16. Women    17. Women's Health - General    18. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (43)

One Really Good Book
This is one good book, one really good book!
Practical and easy to read
I got this to help me help my daughter with her finances. The book offered many useful tips on that subject as well as good general advice on paper, thing, and time organizing. Kathleen Nadeau is widely respected in the medical community for her knowledge and down to earth strategies for those with ADD/ADHD. The professional organizer, Judith Kolberg, has broken down everyday problems that everyone faces into easy step by step plans. I highly recommend this book for both those with and without Attention Deficit.

Just what I needed!!
I love the book; when get all the time i need, i will soon get organized.Thanks for the suggestions!!Mildred Rickett ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. General    4. Management    5. Organization    6. Parenting - Hyperactivity    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Psychology    9. Self-Help    10. Clinical psychology    11. Self-Help & Practical Interests    12. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (79)

An awesome resource
Recently diagnosed with ADD I've been battling at work for accommodations.My doctor/therapist provided me a document for accommodations just this week.It took the harrassment from a supervisor away.I went to HR and let her know that the Department Manager has been very good about this, letting me know what he expects.I mentioned that I had read in the book about the need for organizers and I would have purchased a Palm today, but the store was out.She got up, pulled out a box and there was a Palm.She indicated that this could be used as an accommodation.I asked if I found the reference if that would be enough and it was agreed.I went back to my desk, and turned to the right page, took it back to her, and she's putting in a request to have it installed on my computer at the office and it's now an accommodation.I've followed the advice in the book about using "to do" lists, and it has really helped to keep me focused just on what I need to do.I highly recommend the book, as well as Sari Solden's "Women with ADD"

Needs updating
While reading some of the previous reviews, I saw one that mentioned "contemporary science" - written in 1999. The first Amazon.com customer review for this book is from 1997. If I'd read it then, I would have rated it higher. But a book that deals with anything medical needs to be updated long before it's a decade old, which this one now is. The chapter on medication is completely outdated; it shouldn't be referred to by anyone who wants to know what options are available now. And while all the scientific/medical questions about ADD/ADHD haven't been answered, more is known now than when this book was written.
life changing
I found myself in every page.Gives new hope and opens the oors of understanding.A must readfor adults & teens with ADD and their families. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Psychology    2. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    3. Recovery    4. General    5. Learning Disabilities    6. Coping with personal problems    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    8. Self-Help & Practical Interests    9. Parenting - Hyperactivity    10. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    11. Self-Help    12. Attention deficit disorders    13. Popular works   

Reviews (6)

An Excellent Resource for Adult ADHD
As a co-owner of the ADDvisor, we hosted a teleconference featuring Dr. Lenard Adler in May. Dr. Adler was a very engaging speaker and provided many valuable insights into adult ADHD. Dr. Adler's new book, Scattered Minds, highlights both his knowledge about ADHD with writing that is both accessible and readable. This goes for professionals as well as the general public. In understandable terms, Dr. Adler describes the neurobiology of ADHD, the co-existing conditions that often accompany ADHD, medications and complimentary treatments and alternative treatments. 'Scattered Minds' can be used as a reference for questions as they come up or can be read cover-to-cover. Either way, your book shelf will be more valuable as you collect your resources about ADHD.
comprehensive, clear, and easy to read
This book offers must-know information about ADD in a very clear, concise, and easy-to-read format. I have recently diagnosed with ADD, and this book gave me a very informative introduction to what I am dealing with.

Excellent resource
This book is an excellent resource for learning about adult ADD.It is an easy read, not too long, and gets to the point in giving information describing ADD, how to get a diagnosis, and gives a good overview of medications that can help. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. General    4. Learning Disabilities    5. Learning Disorders (Neurological Aspects)    6. Mental Disorders    7. Mental Health    8. Psychology    9. Psychopathology - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD--ADHD)    10. Coping with illness    11. Popular medicine    12. Psychology / Psychopathology / Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD-ADHD)   

Reviews (11)

Dissapointed for what I thought I was getting
When I first looked at this book at the bookstore I thought, Great,,my son has ADHD and was looking for a change in his diet to help.However the book just barely skims any one topic with a paragraph or two if you're lucky on anyone subject and has no depth to it at all.If you're just looking for the tip of the iceburg this is it.There is nothing more than an overview to any subject when it comes to amounts, dosages for supplements or nutrients and the amount needed.About half way through I quit reading it since it was of no help other than a broad spectrum overview.The Myth of Learning Disabilities..etc..by Robin Pauc I think, was much better at first glance and actually had dosages for supplements to know where to start and why this or that would help brain function etc.Hope this helps.

Good resource
**** I went through this book marking sections to go back over and re-read. Much of the book is geared toward explaining what A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. is, the symptoms, and possible contributing factors. I could not help but wonder WHY? Anyone looking up information on A.D.D. and/or A.D.H.D. already knows what it is. Chances are they have talked, in depth, to their doctor(s) already. Good resource
(...)I went through this book marking sections to go back over and re-read. Much of the book is geared toward explaining what A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. is, the symptoms, and possible contributing factors. I could not help but wonder WHY? Anyone looking up information on A.D.D. and/or A.D.H.D. already knows what it is. Chances are they have talked, in depth, to their doctor(s) already. Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention deficit-hyperactivit    2. Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder    3. Consumer Health    4. Diet / Health / Fitness    5. Diet therapy    6. Diets - Special Conditions    7. Health - Nutrition    8. Learning Disabilities    9. Psychology    10. Psychopathology - General    11. Self-Help   

Reviews (35)

Hartmann and Drugs
Hartmann is a successful multitasker: not only does he write popular books on ADD/ADHD, he has published numerous books of poetry, has opened four hospitals in Third World countries, and so on. His point is that ADD/ADHD is a curse if it is not channeled properly, but can be a great blessing, and an enormous goad (and even key) to success if the "sufferer" learns to handle it, learns to cope with it.
Best book I've read on the subject!
This is the first product I've ever written a review about--that should tell you something!
I Owe This to the Author
Your reviewers experience: a few short years ago my youngest son was in real trouble. Skipping school and failing I had him tested at his therapist's request. Near genius IQ. In eight grade his math aptitude (which he failed through most of school) was above 12th grade. He was miserable and so was our family. In search of answers he was diagnosed as ADD. It was a dark dark time for me to the point I believed I might lose this child.
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Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    4. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    5. Parenting - Hyperactivity    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Self-Help    9. Special Education - Learning Disabled    10. Coping with illness    11. Self Help    12. Parenting   

Editorial Review

Criticism for the public school system in the United States is nothingnew; kids of all skill levels are slipping through the cracks at every age andin every city. Rather than attempting to change the system or point out it'sfailures, Jonathon Mooney and David Cole have created a practical guide to helpkids jump through the necessary hoops to achieve whatever larger, postschoolgoals they may have. While much of the material is written for kids who'vereceived the label LD or ADHD, many of the suggestions can be just as helpfulfor those who've been labeled "gifted," or any other student who feelsfrustrated with the daily routine of standard education. Read more

Reviews (37)

Outisde the lines at the speed of light
This is a great book for anyone who has trouble reading from top to bottom or beginning to end.Those who start in the middle and skip around or read toward the front will recognize themselves.Its been 30 years since I finished college and a few less since finishing law school.I still use many of these techniques every day.I laughed my way through the book because I kept thinking "Hey, I used to do that."Don't miss this one.Thanks to the authors.I'm sure we could be friends.blewin

This book changed my life in college.
I read Learning Outside the Lines my Freshmen year in College and it changed my life. I have a math learning disability and also ADD. The book helped me in developing better study habits and note taking skills. It is also helped me realize having a learning disability does not make me any less intelligent. If you are a college student and have a learning disability or ADD, get this book!

Required Reading
This book should be required reading for everyone who is pursuing a teaching career.To say it was (and is) a tragedy how these two young men where treated is an understatement.It is also a tragedy if anyone thinks their stories are exceptions and not the rule.Students who learn differently are almost always treated in a horrible way.Read this book and learn from it.It would be great if this also had an audio book version so that the Dyslexic student could hear the book since reading the printed word is often so difficult. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit-disordered y    2. Attention-deficit-disordered youth    3. College student orientation    4. Education    5. Education (Higher)    6. Education / Teaching    7. Learning disabled youth    8. Special Education - Learning Disabled    9. Study Skills    10. United States    11. Education / Special Education / Learning Disabled    12. Teaching of those with special educational needs   

Reviews (47)

Does Sari know me personally?
After reading her book I feel as if she does know me personally.Not even my mother could so accurately describe how I feel about my disorganization or my lack of attention.The nice thing about this book is it doesn't try to group all women with ADD into the same category.Some of us are hyper while others, like me, tend to withdraw from interaction.I could continue to identify with this book but my main point is you need to read it.I especially want non ADD people to read it so they might be able to understand some things.

A comprehensive explaination
I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD. My pyschatrist (a female) recommended this book. Although I'd read "Driven to Distraction" and "Delivered From Distraction," this book truly explained the disorder in its many forms and specifically how it impacts women. Sadly, I recognized myself in its pages... It gives me hope, however, to discover that I am not alone, and after years of feeling as though I haven't lived up to my potential, (I'm 29) there IS a reason why I feel this way. I can move forward with the tools (medication, structure, therapy) suggested in this book. It is a necessary component to any female ADHD/ADD patient. It is lenghtly and kind of wordy at times... It's best read in spurts or small chunks, as much of the information is dense. Take your time and read this one-- it's worth it!

Women, uncap your pens
If you're ADD like me -- "ADD Like Me" wow, what a great movie title! Sorry; I digress -- anyway, if you are, then you'll be scribbling and underlining like mad all through this book.
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Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    2. General    3. Personal Growth - General    4. Personal Growth - Success    5. Psychology    6. Psychopathology - Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD--ADHD)    7. Self-Help    8. Women's Studies - General    9. Coping with illness    10. Self-Help / Personal Growth / General   

Reviews (14)

Great book
This is a perfect book for both partners to get you though the rough times.Especially good for those who just got diagnosed, or think you or your partner may have ADHD.Very informative, yet presented in a very easy to understand manner.I think everyone would be able to identify with many of the stories in this book, and learn from the explanations.Very eye-opening.
ADD/Adults
This book was written for people who are not familiar with ADD and its sometimes negative effects.It was a simple book with some assumptions but overall it was a good book.I found some truth to what the author has to say but I sensed that he is pro meds and I am not.It was a good choice for me to purchase it and recommend it.

Best ADD/ADHD book I read yet!
I loved this book, I am a young adult female with ADHD and this book helped me understand myself and my actions better. This book highlighted which actions and feelings are normal and which actions or fellings are "ADD things". This book has helped me a lot. I also liked how this book touched on the positieve aspects of having ADD also. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder    2. Attention-deficit disordered a    3. Attention-deficit disordered adults    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. General    7. Human relations    8. Interpersonal Relations    9. Love & Romance    10. Man-woman relationships    11. Psychology    12. Sexuality    13. Health & Fitness / General   

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    2. Clinical Psychology    3. Cognitive therapy    4. Learning Disabilities    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy - General    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology    8. Psychology | Practitioner & Client Guides    9. Psychotherapy   

Reviews (14)

2 Old 2 B Relevant
Murphy's "Out of the Fog" was published in 1995 -- that's 11 years behind the times! While he might include some informative and interesting stuff here, ADD/ADHD research is piling up with new insights and implications for personal and social-political use.
Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorders
After completing this review, I realized that if you have ADHD (like me), you may need to take a break in order to make it through to the end.
Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorders
After completing this review, I realized that if you have ADHD (like me), you may need to take a break in order to make it through to the end.
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Subjects:  1. Attention deficit disorders    2. Attention-deficit disorder in    3. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    4. General    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health/Fitness    7. Parenting - Hyperactivity    8. Popular works    9. Psychology    10. Psychopathology - General    11. Specific Neurologic Diseases    12. Health & Fitness / General   

Reviews (1)

Bill Clinton's classic ADHD symptoms, Hillary's compensating
Having noticed and become more familiar with symptoms and failures of ADHD, it is helpful for how often these factors show up in society. For example, the "enigma" of Bill Clinton may be confusing to many, but may be a result of the class symptoms of many of the characteristics of ADHD undiagnosed persons whose spouses often compensate for them in many situations and circumstances. This can be seen in many cases where she "spoke for him," in interviews, for example, to explain what he meant, or to clarify his views, specifically in the 1995 interview about Flowers when he said "he had caused pain in his marriage." Reviewing the many complaints or observations of his staff about his personality suggests that he was indeed not only brilliant, but also suffered the effects of ADHD that had never been diagnosed, and should be looked at with what we are beginning to learn about adults with undiagnosed ADHD. All signs point to this problem and may explain much of his approach and his behavior, especially the desire to do everything at once, and to jump around from thing to thing. The extent of the effects of childhood trauma and the possibility of undiagnosed ADHD together make for a very interesting analysis of this complicated person, and how his family and friends deal with, or cover for him, in many situations. Hillary has classic characteristics of many of the compensating ADHD behaviors that unwittingly spouses fall into using to cope with their ADHD mates over time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. Clinical Psychology    4. Cognition Disorders    5. Learning Disabilities    6. Psychology    7. Psychopathology - General    8. Psychotherapy - General    9. Psychology & Psychiatry / Clinical Psychology   

Reviews (24)

Too much or not enough?
I am diagnosed Asperger's/HFA, and I found the book to be useful in some ways, although it did not address issues caused by sensory integration dysfunction, which can also be found in many people with ADHD (not to mention DSI being misdiagnosed as ADHD).From the viewpoint of many people with ADHD, the information in this book is too basic.From the viewpoint of someone further onto the autism spectrum, the information is not basic enough.
consider buying it
Hi this is my first review and i'm reading alot of adhd books lately. This book is about social skills, the skills that may not have been learnt easily when you have adhd. In fact after reading this book I felt like an alien learning the rules that everyone knew and realise how I was alienating everyone else with my adhd symptoms. What I liked about this book was it was quite helpful. The information is very simplistic, yet there is a difference between understanding the information and actually knowing it, meaning practicing it. I like to use a metaphor to explain things quicker about this book. It's like sports for example, you have rules to follow, you are expected to know it, or you would get fouled out and you won't even be in the next game. Learn the simple rules first dispite it's decieving simplicity, then get better at the game later when you know what your doing. Real life is not a game, you will get isolated extremely quickly not knowing the social rules. I wish I knew the rules before though, there aren't too many books with this content since your all suppose to know it.
Good, but some important issues left unaddressed.
The basic premise of this book comes from the idea from Fulgham's book that "all we know we learned in kindergarten". Novotni interprets these kindergarten skills as basic social skills, which most ADDers didn't pick up on in their early years, perhaps because they were too busy running around and breaking things, or daydreaming too much.
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Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit disorder in    2. Attention-deficit disorder in adults    3. Attention-deficit-disordered a    4. Attention-deficit-disordered adults    5. Behavior Therapy    6. Cognition Disorders    7. Family/Marriage    8. Interpersonal Relations    9. Neuropsychology    10. Psychology    11. Suicide    12. Coping with illness   

Reviews (14)

ADD/ADHD IS REAL
This is a good book because of it's format; ie: Question/Answer. I think it might even be more helpful to those living with, or who associate with others who have ADD/ADHD.
Great AD/HD Resource
This a great AD/HD resource. The book is written in a very ADD friendly Q & A format. This book will anser many commonly asked AD/HD related questions. Many of the questioned answered are ones that you may have always wanted to know but were afried to ask. I'll show you my disease if you show me yours! Respond
That made me laugh. I have to ask do you believe in AIDS? Do you believe in cancer? Do you think people in wheel chairs can walk? If so way? Have you had any of them? Do you really know what they are like? How do you know they are real? How because science tells you and that same science also has done brain scans on people with AD/HD and has proven that it is real. Read more

Subjects:  1. Attention-deficit hyperactivit    2. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder    3. General    4. Learning Disabilities    5. Mental Health    6. Miscellanea    7. Psychology    8. Medical / Mental Health    9. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques   

Reviews (3)

You got the motion
This is a practicAL approach to helping us with ADD/ADHD. Dr Rotz uses many examples one can apply to keeping ones attention.
Very informative book
Once I started to read the book, I couldn't put it down! I kept underlying so much on every page ( one of the strategies I use to stay focused ) and found many insights.
Finally, A Book That Makes Sense For Those With ADD
There are several super books on the subject of Attention Deficit Disorder and each has sections that stand out. However, "Fidget To Focus" is the one book that has it all. It explains the reasons why people with ADD do the things they do AND offers excellent suggestions and solutions, too. What I like best about the book is that it isn't trying to change anyone but instead encourages rea