Driven To Distraction : Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood

I am an MD and knew for years I did not think like other people-in fact it was extremely difficult to think at all. Getting through med school was tough; I studied constantly and would read and re-read the weighty textbooks; still only "average" among my classmates, after a stellar (and very structured) high school and college performance.

Every page of this book had an "aha" moment for me, brought me to tears numerous times when I saw how comparable my suffering was with the Hallowell patients. Knowledge of this malady alone has helped tremendously.

A well written book which listed case studies but did not fulfill my expectation with assistance for solutions to this problem of ADHA.

I have two nephews with ADD/ADHD and possibly more undiagnosed relatives which made me curious that maybe I had ADD/ADHD. I read this book and I really related to a lot of the stories and it gave me hope that there could be help for me. I wasn't really a problem student, just got in trouble often and had problems reading but I excelled at math and science (although teachers said I was an underachiever). Fast forward, I have a masters in electrical engineering but had problems in classes I had to read a lot (English, Psychology, etc.). The book also points out that Attention Deficit Disorder isn't really accurate since deficit isn't accurate. The book points out that with ADD you have difficulty paying attention most of the time, BUT you also have the ability to hyperfocus on some subjects which makes everyone different.
One con/pro about the book is it written before DSM-IV (which has small set of criteria) and it lists its own criteria. I found this books older more expansive criteria more helpful than the DSM-IV criteria.
Since I read this book, I've been officially diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and am hopeful about treatment (haven't started yet).

The ADD/ADHD "Owners Manual." Understand how your "engine" works, what kind of fuel it needs, how to tune-up, rev-up and just plain operate your race-car brain to it's highest potential! This book clears up myths and gives you the low-down on what ADD's all about. Great for parents, spouses and teachers as well. Knowledge about this often confusing and misunderstood subject will give the reader new hope and a brand-new outlook on their lives or their child's life...past, present, and future.

I read it and it helped me make an informed decision on the type of treatment I wanted.