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: Edward M. Hallowell M.D.

“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©2005 E. Hallowell and J. Ratey; (P)2005 Random House, Inc. Random House Audio, a division of Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

“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!”—Michael Thompson, Ph.D., New York Times bestselling co-author of Raising Cain

“Edward 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

“A 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 Kids

“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 Institute

Eye opening

As a newly diagnosed adult this book offered a different perspective. Very helpful in coming to terms with this new reality, seeing through the stigma, a million practical tips. Thank you so much!

Encouraging

Nice and short and didn't meander like so many books do. Not much new information.

The author gives personal information

The author used language that a lay person could understand. The author’s voice is soothing.

ADD Version

I first downloaded the unabridged version but never got finished listening to it. This edition is just the right speed for Add'ers. It gives a lot of ideas and knowledge, I learned lots of tricks that I use daily from this book.

Easy to follow and understand

Very easy to start and stop with real world scenario advice. A good foundation for someone looking to disipher what's going on with themselves or someone they care about.