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)

Fantastic and accurate

I loved this book. I started reading it, in an effort to help my son. I learned so much about how he was feeling, and how I can help him feel better about himself. After reading, I could better understand him, and was able to get my son to open up more with me about what goes on in his head while in school etc.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone who would like to understand ADD and other like, diagnosis.

Get this book.

I've never learned so much about ADD/ADHD as I have from this book. Not one doctor has ever taken the time to explain a fraction of what this book covers.

My advice is to listen while you fold laundry or some other task where you're usually bored and need stimulation but can do so safely without paying full attention.

Life SAVING and Informative!

This is a MUST READ for any educator or person who believes they may need to seek treatment for adult ADD/ADHD. I have always told people that "It takes people like me to make everyone else look normal." I literally cried through so many portions of the book as I felt like I had finally found someone who understood me and the struggles I have had throughout life. After having been unsuccessfully treated in the past for generalized anxiety disorder and depression (separately), I am now looking to find a doctor who specializes in adult ADD. This book succeeds in providing detailed information in so many areas regarding diagnosis, treatment options, and more; I feel very well versed in what I need to do to get on the right path for successful treatment of the REAL issues I face. The stories in this book will resonate with anyone who has lived with undiagnosed ADD. This would also be an excellent book for family members of those who have ADD.

As an educator, I found this book to be tremendously enlightening as to the additional symptoms/issues that are often coupled with ADD/ADHD. Educating teachers on the true issues of ADD/ADHD and the associated problems would serve students well.

Great book on ADD, even if you've lived with ADD

Where does Delivered From Distraction rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The reader has a pretty good pace and is clear. This book was designed to be skipped around in, and makes references to chapter numbers. This is very frustrating in the audio book because the "Audible Chapters" and the "Book Chapters" don't line up.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Delivered From Distraction?

While I appreciate the South Park view of the 12 step program, it was really interesting to hear the comparison between the 12 steps for AA and for dealing with ADD. I also appreciated the more scientific/psychological interpretation of these steps.

Did Dan Cashman do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

N/A? The only thing I am curious about is the roles of the two authors in this book. One section is clearly Dr. Hallowell describing his experiences, but I was never clear on if any other sections were primarily authored by Dr. Ratey. I don't think the reader could have possibly known this though.

Any additional comments?

This is a great book to have both the kindle and audible version of. While I listened to much of the book straight through in the car, when I wanted to try and find a specific section talking about fish oil it's near impossible without a text search.

The ADD Guide

I turned 30 years old yesterday.

Today i finished this book that describes my condition...

this is the dumbest thing ever...

Reading this book earlier could have solved so many problems.

If you have ANYONE in your life with ADD (Which you most likely have - GET. THIS. BOOK.

It is on my favs list now

Phenomenal

This compelling insight makes you consider your own past and present train of thought constantly leaving you struck by the apparent similarities between yourself and the author and people discussed in this book. Definitely a remarkable addition to ones data library.

PURE GOLD!!!

Listening to it for the second time. Some chapters are worth listening to every week or so...

So helpful for anyone given the gift of ADD.

Loved this. Having ADD I've always felt a little out of place and different. This book helped me figure out what I could never explain in words.

this book is amazing

I loved this book. It is so eerily on the mark. The doctor gave definition to so much of what I have experienced in my life and am still encountering. I thank my doctor for recommending this book.

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!