Book SummaryDriven to Distraction, by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Driven to Distraction

In Driven to Distraction, Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey argue that while ADD, or attention deficit disorder, can be a debilitating condition, it can be managed. Proper treatment allows a person to minimize or eliminate the negative symptoms affecting their attention and focus and utilize their strengths.

Edward Hallowell is a psychiatrist and best-selling author of numerous books on psychology, including The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness and Dare to Forgive. John Ratey is a professor of psychiatry at Harvard and the best-selling author of other self-help books including Spark and _[Go...

Driven to Distraction Summary What Is ADD?

ADD, or attention deficit disorder, is a condition with a wide range of symptoms, usually characterized by inattentiveness or a tendency to be easily distracted, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. People with ADD often experience difficulty focusing or getting started on tasks, disorganization, and memory issues, among other symptoms.

(Shortform note: The specific traits of people with ADHD vary widely, making it difficult to give a comprehensive definition or settle on an appropriate name for the condition. Some experts have suggested that, instead of naming the disorder to indicate inattentiveness or hyperactivity, we should refer to it as an issue with executive functioning. Executive functioning is the mental skillset we use to do things consciously (as opposed to things we do unconsciously, like breathing) and includes anything that involves planning, remembering, or making decisions.)

Prior to the late 19th century, experts...

Driven to Distraction Summary The Treatment Process

Now that we’ve explained what ADD is and how it manifests, let’s discuss how to begin treatment. ADD can interfere with your success and quality of life, but finding the right treatment can reduce your symptoms and help you make the best use of your strengths. Indeed, people who have ADD can flourish when their unique needs are met.

(Shortform note: In addition to finding the right treatment, it can also help to develop a “growth mindset” in order to make the best use of your strengths. Helping children shift their focus from immediate rewards to long-term growth helps them manage their stress over difficult tasks and can even change the physiology of their brains, strengthening connections between neurons to improve learning and performance.)

Treatment involves diagnosing the condition, educating yourself and others about it, implementing structure in your life, participating in therapy, and taking medication as needed. Let’s look at each of those steps.

Obtain a Diagnosis

According to the authors, the process of diagnosis begins with the **patient’s decision to seek help for the problems...

Shortform Exercise: Create a Treatment Plan

The process of treating ADHD can be long and difficult, but it’s easier if you approach treatment with a plan. Use the information in this guide to identify a potential treatment plan for your symptoms.

Which symptoms of ADHD do you want to target? To determine this, consider which ones have the greatest impact on your life. Note both primary and secondary symptoms. (For example, you might feel that disorganization and poor self-image affect your life the most.)