I got this book after seeing Dr. Amen on PBS - the book is very good. He does a great job with the diagnosis of each type of ADD. My son, who is 12, has alwasy been distracted more so than hyper but very oppostional - to find out that there are different "types" or ways ADD manifests with different people was refreshing - you understand more why one medicine works better for some kids better than others. This book is filled with useful scientific info to give you a better understanding of ADD (specifically which you may have) and Dr. Amen's preferred treatment of each.

For any parent struggling with their child's ADD or ADHD, this book is a Godsend. It takes great pains to differentiate between the six types of this disorder and then provides concrete steps to help you develop a game plan to deal with your child's particular issues. It really is incredible.

Amen's book on ADD coupled to SPEC scans makes for some interesting reading. I'm not really sure that a simple SPEC scan and some drugs can solve all the problems he claims he can solve. The brain is not as easily described by simple colors from a $3000+ scan.

Of course, a Kindle has no color! Given that 20% of the book consists of COLOR SPEC scans where the various colors are important I have no idea what the publisher was thinking when they published this book for the Kindle. Buy the book on the Kindle if you must but you'll be sorry. The Kindle version of this book is a waste of money in my opinion.

Amen's book on ADD coupled to SPEC scans makes for some interesting reading. I really don't believe that a simple SPEC scan and some drugs can solve all the problems he claims he can solve. His findings and knowledge are unproven. I agree that maybe some cases can be identified and some success can be had. I've had success with bio-feedback whereas others have had no help. The brain is not as easily described by simple colors from a $3000+ scan.

Of course on my Kindle I have no color. Given that 20% of the book consists of COLOR SPEC scans where the various colors are important I have no idea what the publisher was thinking when they published this book for the Kindle. Buy the book on the Kindle if you must but you'll be sorry. As for me I won't be happy until Amazon sends me a color version of the actual book. The Kindle version is a waste of money in my opinion.

The book is readable and informative, but needs to be taken with a grain of salt. The practise discussed is not widely accepted and the author can make money from new converts.

This is one of the best books I've read on ADD. Unfortunately the advice for treating ADD is a little vague and contrite. But considering the books that are out there, this was still the best I've found yet.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, ADHD, runs in my family somewhat. In my wife's family it can be a run away train. For me, it's one of those things that can mess your life up, if you let it. However, in my case, it was only after I was 46 that I realized that I had it, and that was told to me by a caring friend.

In this book, Dr. Amen tells of how he got into the practice of working with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) patients, and he shares his insights into this condition, and often times disability.

Before I go further, let me say clarify this, does Dr. Amen address ADD or ADHD? Actually, he addresses both, for ADHD is one type of ADD. So, the acronyms ADD and ADHD can be used by the reader interchangeably without compromising any understanding of this review.

Most authors of ADD books describe it as one condition, or perhaps two types of conditions. Dr. Amen, on the other hand, breaks it down into six different types of disorders and how they affect the patient and those around the patient.

But, what do I personally feel about this book? As someone who has ADHD, it has been a godsend. Why? Because it has shown me that there is more to this disability than someone saying, "George is just being "George." And, while it doesn't sit you down and say you need to do this and that, and you'll be "normal," it does tell you that there is help out there available. The book also lets you know it is not an easy solution, depending on its severity, but there are some solutions available if you want it. As for my special daughter and wife, one can only cast the line out with an attractive bait on a hook, and hope that they'll read this book and increase their understanding of ADD/ADHD.

I could go on-and-on about this book, and you might gander some insight into what I gained from it, on both a personal level, and also on a level of working with others, but then, again, you may not. However, when that day came and a loved one came to me and finally said, "they wanted help" in dealing with their condition, Dr. Amen's book gave me the knowledge so that I could be empathetic and helpful. For that I am eternally grateful I had read this book, and I could share it with them.

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, ADHD, runs in my family somewhat. In my wife's family is can be a run away train. In this book, Dr. Amen tells of how he got into the practice of working with ADHD patients, and he shares his insights into this condition, and often times disability. Most authors of ADHD books describe it as one condition, or perhaps two types of conditions, Dr. Amen, on the other hand breaks it down into six different types of disorders and how they affect the patient and those around the patient.

I could go on-and-on about this book, and you might gander some insight into what I gained from it, on both a personal level, and also on a level of working with others, but then, again, you may not. However, when that day came when a loved one came to me and finally said, "they wanted help" in dealing with their condition, Dr. Amen's book gave me the knowledge so that I could be empathetic and helpful. For that I am eternally grateful I had read this book.

So much praise for this book and it is all deserved. What I got out of it was learning more about the 6 types of ADD, what they mean and how they are treated. I enjoyed reading and knowing that out there, there is understanding and help, even if your current doctor is not on the right path. I was misdiagnosed with CFS for a long while, before being correctly diagnosed with ADD and Depression and Self-Conflict.

One Boy's Struggle: A Memoir: Surviving Life with Undiagnosed ADD

Bryan

I was born with ADD. In the 1950's there wasn't a term for it. I did notice my parents had numerous books on hyperactive children, and knew they didn't buy them for my two very normal and grounded sisters.

I own 7 books on this subject but this one really stands out. One reason is the outstanding 71 questionaire that directs you to which of the 6 varities of ADD you may have. This book is worth the price just for this test. It then proceeds to list the many medications that are best suited for each ADD type. Importantly it is written in a clear and concise style.

I just wish the author would update this book as the latest printing is about 5 years old. As such, I bought my copy used via Amazon.

This book is an excellent resource for ADD persons and for working with ADD clients. It explains things clearly, talks about the brain and physical evidence for ADD, and offers great information about treatment options and living with ADD. The cognitive therapy section dealing with negative thought processes is strong, and helpful not only for ADD individuals but also for those depressed and struggling with self-esteem. I highly recommend this book.

Janet W. McElwee

This book was very informative in helping me to learn the etiology of
ADHD and how to deal with it. It gave a laymans term description of the types of ADHD and how to work with each type.
I have purchased it and often refer back to it.

I was disapoined and not agreedable with a lot that was said in this book. I have ADD the Inattentive type. I just could not grasp it.

This books lives up to all the other testimonials. In learning to treat your child, spouse, or self it's encouraging to realize there are 6 types of ADD out there, and the treatment needs to be customized to the type or you won't be successful. Dr. Amen also has a website www.brainplace.com which provides information on the latest studies. For encouragement you should also read Edward Hallowell's books "Driven to Distraction" and "Delivered from Distraction".

This book, along with Dr. Amen's Amen Clinic literally saved my life. I was bedridden, and doctors had no idea why my depression medication had stopped working. My counselor suggested this book, and, after getting tested at the Amen Clinic, I was diagnosed with Over-focused ADD. I was put on a personalized treatment program, and I almost immediately became the person I'd wanted to be for the first 19 years of my life. I could go up and talk to strangers, make friends, and not obsess over my anxiety disorder. I am now 22, and this book still helps me continue my healing process. If I could, I would give it way more than 5 stars.

Before I found this book, I read a couple of other self-help ADD books to get a better handle on mine. It wasn't until I saw this one and got curious about the 6 types, so I picked it up. It convinced me that all other ADD books are exactly the same. That is, they only touch base on the 2 conventional issues: Psychological and Social. This book on the other hand, introduces a third study: Biological (brain studies). Dr. Amen's expertise in general and his SPECT (a unique physical scan that looks for abnormally underactive and overactive brain activity) studies helps eliminate the chance of mis-diagnosis, which can drastically reduce symptoms so the sufferer can move ahead with his or her life. After running through the book several times over the course of a few months and recalling the discussion of my symptoms and genetic history with a psych a few years before for a diagnosis, I came to the conclusion last month that I was a Type 4: Temporal Lobe sufferer. With that said, I immediately started looking over the treatment options section and since then I've been taking the right supplements along with the recommended proper diet and intense exercise. I can easily say that I feel a WHOLE LOT BETTER!! My friends and family have told me that I'm like a whole different person now. They've noticed that I'm no longer moody and irritable, and my inattentiveness and impulsiveness have been reduced to near-nothing. Life doesn't seem so miserable anymore. I wake up everyday looking forward to facing the world and being positive. Just out of curiousity, I'd like to go The Amen Clinic for a SPECT evaluation, but it doesn't look like it'll be necessary. My friends with ADD now want to do what I did to improve their life. I want to personally thank Dr. Amen. The word needs to be spread around about his very unique brain studies!

I also purchased this book for my mother. She says, This book is wonderful. It was a great help in understanding my younger sister.

Even my science trained husband found this book well written and thought provoking. Since ADHD runs all through to grandchildren, we are looking into Amen's suggestions.

Dr. Daniel Amen started using biofeedback and behavior modification as an army psychiatrist in the late 80s. While attending a lecture, he became aware of the use of electroencephalograms (EEGs) in treating children with ADD. This gave Dr. Amen a "critical insight: the importance of looking at the brain in different states". Thus Dr. Amen became a pioneer in the field connecting ADD and the use of biofeedback and brain imaging.

Soon he was introduced to brain SPECT (single proton emission computed tomography) imaging and started using it in his practice. He tried the SPECT on one of his patients at the time and discovered normal brain activity at rest but decreased activity when problem solving. Treatment with Ritalin corrected the problem AND it was all documented by the tests. The patient was thrilled "Having ADD is not my fault. It's a medical problem, just like someone who needs glasses." Despite continued success, there was still a great deal of resistance to the use of imaging and biofeedback in the medical community. This was frustrating to Dr. Amen and made him angry. "How can we not look at the brain? Cardiologists look at the heart. Orthopedic doctors have bone x-rays. We (psychiatrists) deal with the most complex organ in the body. How can we treat it without having information on how it functions? We are the only medical specialists that never look at the organ we treat!" Thankfully Dr. Amen was not dissuaded from his continued use of SPECT and biofeedback.

For each of the 6 types of ADD described by Dr. Amen, there are real life clinical studies as well as SPECT images of actual patients and the varied treatment for each type. Treatment for each of the types includes dietary changes and supplements, physical exercise, pharmacological medications, environmental changes and behavior modification suggestions. The clinical studies include males, females, children, teenagers, adults as well as brain trauma victims.

In addition to dealing with the myths, facts and core symptoms of ADD, Dr. Amen also discusses why ADD is increasing in the population and is underdiagnosed and undertreated. In this book, ADD is recognized as a psychological, biological and social disorder. As such Dr. Amen recognizes that treatment must also be on all levels. The nine chapters on optimizing the ADD life offer a plethora of strategies on parenting and family, school, work and sleep. Also discussed is EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), as well as focused breathing, self-hypnosis and ADD coaching.

Despite the extensive `science' in this book, it is an easy read. It provides proven practical suggestions to help those with ADD to lead full productive and satisfying lives.

This book was very helpful and informative, especially if you are suffering from ADD/ADHD or if you know someone who's living with this disorder. I am a combination of Type II & Type III, more Type III overfocused. It has shed light into why I do and feel the way I do and gave some helpful suggestions on how to treat and control this disorder. Its not a cure for ADD/ADHD, however it is an excellent tool. I recommend this book for anyone who is suffering or knows anyone who may have this disorder.

This book is truly brilliant. And really everyone else has covered this thoroughly. This is the first book that really addresses the ADD issue and how to make improvements. It answers so many questions that have been a mystery for me a long time.

As to the reviewer who thought all Dr Amens colleagues wrote reviews for him. What? All 92 of them? Come on. This book will change not only work with ADD ... with with anything connected with brain chemistry issues. This is long overdue. And is one of the definitive works as far as I am concerned on ADD.

This book is terrific! I have (adult) ADD myself, and it speaks to my personal experiences so much that I thought "that's me... he's writing about me!"

But more than that, it also addresses the latest scientific / clinical research side of ADD that most other books gloss over. He's not making this stuff up. I have struggled through the exact challenges and behaviours he's writing about on a daily basis (and continue to do so for some of it). I also have a degree in physiology, and am certified in pharmaceutical education, as well, and can speak to the scientific validity behind his book.

Certainly, some of the research presented is leading edge, and has not yet been accepted as common practice in medicine, but it is not because his research is untrue, rather, the medical community is behind in the diagnosis and treatment of ADD. Doctors still have trouble recognizing adult ADD. I don't blame them, because the ADD has historically been a children's disease, and DSM-IV criteria for ADD is based on children. In fact, I would even go so far as to say that in 5 years, this book will be considered one of the "Bibles" on diagnosing and treating ADD and adult ADD, the same way "Feeling Good" became one of the Bibles on depression. The criteria for ADD is likely to change for the DSM-V, and I wouldn't be surprised if they adopt some of his differential diagnostic criteria and treatment options.

This book has changed my life and I personally feel it is head and shoulders the best book on ADD and adult ADD out there for patients and health care professionals that deal with ADD.

A few months ago, I accidently discovered that I might be an ADD. Since I don't have many obvious ADD/ADHD symptoms, it had remained stealth till now, my middle age. I wanted to understand this ADD thing and bought a bunch of books on the subject. One of them was "Healing ADD".

Dr. Amen appears to be way ahead of his colleagues "in a way". For that, I would've given this book more than five starts if possible!

But let me first tell you what I didn't like about this book:

The book is structured around two themes: The second theme is ADD coping/management stratgies. Unfortunately I was not very impressed with what Dr. Amen had to say on the subject. For example, steps suggested by him to get to bed early and wake up early sounds so lame that any journalist college drop out could've written it! I simply don't see it clicking. Dr. Amen, a non-ADD, seme to be missing a "feel" for an ADD mind. I am not surprised. This is very common for a non-ADD. Hence, most of what he has to say under this theme ring hollow to me. For this part of the book, I would give it only 2 or 3 out of 5 :-(

Now for the good, no great, thing about this book:

Dr. Amen has developed skills in using brain imaging techniques (SPECT scanning) to understand ADD better. He is the first one to categorize (to my knowledge) ADD into six sub-types. This is based on the underlying brain mechanism, which can be very different from each other. This knowledge, and establishing the concept categorically using SPECT, has added so much clarity to the understanding, treatment and coping.

This clarity is very crucial. For example treatment for limbic ADD can make things worse for "Ring of Fire" ADD. And Temporal Lobe ADD needs to take anti-seizure medication along with ADD medication. And so on.

I am scientifically inclined and I do scientific investigation for my living. I have always been very uncomfortable with the Freud type modeling/explanations. Reading this book gave me a feeling that for the first time there is some semblance of science in psychiatry!

Mental science (if you can actually call science) has moved one step away from shot gun approach and moved a bit towards sniper approach. That is a big step, I think. Without such tools, the psychiatrist comes to an approximate fix, starts the treatment, adjusts the medication along the way till such time something works or the patient drops out!

And for bringing the semblance of science to ADD treatment, I would happily rate "Healing ADD" off the scale! Say, a 10 out of 5 :-)

I strongly recommend to read other one-star reviews posted here, in addition check this:

The "most helpful voted" reviews on this book are without exception by people who reviewed only! this ONE! book, only one additional publication or only books by Dr Amen. All are ranked 5 stars.

Be real: these are personal friends of Dr. Amen, specialists who know how to right a review with some terminology - yes, but no credible, honest reviewers. These are are a bunch of guys who make a good buck on tinkering with other peoples souls. No thanks.
(Just in case these guys should add additional "reviews" to their "single-review-history", make sure you will check the quality of these potential new "reviews" and the date of posting, certainly after! today - Apr-09, 2007.)

If a scientist / therapist / doctor deems it necessary to apply this kind of methods to only sell his or her book, how trustworthy could his scientific research be ?!? I would not even buy a used bike from such a guy - that is Mr. Amen - let alone buy a book about my child's mental health or my personal well-being.

Let's just see when he shows up on the (life-long) black list of dubious scientific researchers in the U.S. ...

Dubious. Dismissed.

I strongly recommend to read other one-star reviews posted here, in addition check this:

The "most helpful voted" reviews on this book are without exception by people who reviewed only! this ONE! book, only one additional publication or only books by Dr Amen. All are ranked 5 stars.

Be real: these are personal friends of Dr. Amen, specialists who know how to right a review with some terminology - yes, but no credible, honest reviewers. These are are a bunch of guys who make a good buck on tinkering with other peoples souls. No thanks.
(Just in case these guys should add additional "reviews" to their "single-review-history", make sure you will check the quality of these potential new "reviews" and the date of posting, certainly after! today - Apr-09, 2007.)

If a scientist / therapist / doctor deems it necessary to apply this kind of methods to only sell his or her book, how trustworthy could his scientific research be ?!? I would not even buy a used bike from such a guy - that is Mr. Amen - let alone buy a book about my child's mental health or my personal well-being.

Let's just see when he shows up on the (life-long) black list of dubious scientific researchers in the U.S. ...

Dubious. Dismissed.

I am a registered nurse who was triaging a young couple in our Emergency department. During medical history interview we began to discuss the patients ADD. It didn't sound like the "normal" ADD you typically hear from patients. They recommended I read this book after our exchange of symptoms and behaviors that are clearly outlined in this book. I purchased the book and read it in one day! It was easy to understand, added great clarity to how such minor incidents can related to present behaviors and moods. I learned a great deal from this book and recommend this book to anyone who has a need to understand more about the different types of ADD and ways they can help themselves understand more clearly what might be the contributing factor(s) and how they can try to help themselves, especially without medications. Who knew there was so many types of ADD? You will find yourself identifying your family and friends who may fall into one or more of the ADD categories and wanting to help them and others by having them take the short assessments included in the book. I recommend it--you will definitely learn something.

THIS BOOK EXPLAINED SO VERY MUCH ABOUT MY ENTIRE FAMILY!! I AM GIVING A COPY TO EVERYONE. THEY ALL WANT THE BOOK ANYWAY.

I am 50 yrs old and never realized that the many of the problems I have always suffered with, are related to type 3 ADD. I have used the advice in this book and have never felt this good in my life!

The Healing ADD book by Dr. Amen is at great book. It has really made life much more easy. An it help me get to understand myself more. Brian K

Sent it to my ADHD son and he read it through in one night. Trust me, he would not have bothered if he didn't find it extremely interesting and helpful. I've read books by Daniel Amen and think he's great!

Pioneering MD who has revolutionized care of ADD sufferers, has written easily understood guide to types and treatment of ADD and ADHD. Incudes self diagnostic questionaire, comments on medications, images of brain, diet suggestions. Worthwhile book.

This view of an increasingly made- known condition is an interesting addition to a needed understanding . Adult ADD may be as diverse as the author states or even more so. This may be the next accepted diagnostic aid.

well organised, this book explains about add, symptoms, and responses to the symptoms. the first step for someone who seek answers.

This is a book any parent or spouse of someone with ADD needs to read. It will make you say a loud "ah ha, thats what it is!" and help you deal with life with your child/spouse or even yourself, better.

Just to say thanks to the people who gave this 1 star and explained why.

This is the best book on the market for ADD and why it's not a bestseller I have no clue. However, I learned little from it and the book could overwhelm the wrong ADD environment audience. It's not to hard to understand but it's a ton to absorb at once.And other then meds he doesn't recommend much other advice in this book on how to help one with ADD. But, Meds likely and often are the best ways. And he could go into more the complexities of differnt degrees within types of ADD but he doesn't much if at all. He also could put more on people with combined ADD types, /stuff to do when you have multiple issues like ADD and Dyslexia or ADD and Aspergers. And besides seperating different types and brain photos this ADD book is basic and I wish he wrote one for more advanced readers who already knew alot about it. For he seems to be the only one qualified as the leading guy in this feild. However, 2 of his books the other is the relationships one (Not as good)are my only ADD books and if you know me yet that must make it good cause I'm the pickiest. I have had diagnosed ADD without his help for a long time but, I live near NYC.! The fact that it comes in different formats helps discover it's worth to!

ADD is a complex problem. This book is so insightful as to the different forms and how they can manifest themselves. I was happy to read Amen's suggestions too. It was important to realize that some medications aggrevate certain types of ADD. I have recently started neuro feedback as a solution to my ADD. I wouldnt have gone this route or understood it without reading this book. I am an educator as well as a 49 year old woman just diagnosed with ADD. Wendy Campbell

Healing ADD is a very readable presentation of the scientific evidence for Attention Deficit Disorders. It contains effective treatment recommendations, based on real world clinical experience. Insightful case histories accompany SPECT brain scans of actual patients, illuminating the physical reality of the disorders and the impact of various pharmaceutical, nutritional, psychotherapy and herbal treatments.
More than any other book discussing Attention Deficit Disorders, Healing ADD, presents the cross-cultural, genetic, scientific, biologic, electroencephalographic and neuroimaging evidence that Attention Deficit Disorders are a physical, neurochemical, scientifically observable reality. Dr. Amen deserves to be commended for the courage to tell the truth that psychostimulant medications are safe and much less risky, than allowing Attention Deficit Disorders to remain unmedicated. Amen also discusses complementary treatments for attention deficits, including amino acids, fish oils, vitamins, biofeedback, behavioral therapy, and affirmations. He makes astute observations of the dysfunctional family and classroom dynamics and the "games, " which Attention Deficit Disorder sufferers play, to cope with their neurochemical reality.

I have heard Dr. Amen speak and he is very dynamic, knowledgeable, informative, insightful and humorous. Some of our patients, at Florida Detox, have had SPECT brain scans, at Amen Clinics. The scans were very revealing and correlated well with neurotransmitter profiles and clinical response to treatment. Dr. Amen is a pioneer, who is leading psychiatry into the 21st century. Contrary to some reviews posted here, Dr. Amen has published findings, in peer reviewed scientific journals, including: Amen, DG, Paldi, JH, Thisted, R Evaluating ADHD with Brain SPECT Imaging J of Child and Adol Psychiatry 32:1080-1081, 1993. Attention Deficit Disorders have been validated by published research in prestigious journals, including Lancet, Dougherty D., et. al. Dopamine transporter density in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Lancet 1999 Dec 18-25;354(9196):2132-3 and the Journal of the American Medical Association, Castellanos, X., et. al., Developmental Trajectories of Brain Volume Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder JAMA. 2002;288:1740-1748. The scientific debate concerning the existence of Attention Deficit Disorders has ended. Dogmatic debates continue to deprive many people with Attention Deficit Disorders of an opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Steven Sponaugle, Research Director, Florida Detox
Marvin (Rick) Sponaugle, MD, Medical Director, Florida Detox

Healing ADD is a very readable presentation of the scientific evidence for Attention Deficit Disorders. It contains effective treatment recommendations, based on real world clinical experience. Insightful case histories accompany SPECT brain scans of actual patients, illuminating the physical reality of the disorders and the impact of various pharmaceutical, nutritional, psychotherapy and herbal treatments.
More than any other book discussing Attention Deficit Disorders, Healing ADD, presents the cross-cultural, genetic, scientific, biologic, electroencephalographic and neuroimaging evidence that Attention Deficit Disorders are a physical, neurochemical, scientifically observable reality. Dr. Amen deserves to be commended for the courage to tell the truth that psychostimulant medications are safe and much less risky, than allowing Attention Deficit Disorders to remain unmedicated. Amen also discusses complementary treatments for attention deficits, including amino acids, fish oils, vitamins, biofeedback, behavioral therapy, and affirmations. He makes astute observations of the dysfunctional family and classroom dynamics and the "games, " which Attention Deficit Disorder sufferers play, to cope with their neurochemical reality.

I have heard Dr. Amen speak and he is very dynamic, knowledgeable, informative, insightful and humorous. Some of our patients, at Florida Detox, have had SPECT brain scans, at Amen Clinics. The scans were very revealing and correlated well with neurotransmitter profiles and clinical response to treatment. Dr. Amen is pioneer, who is leading psychiatry into the 21st century. Contrary to some reviews posted here, Dr. Amen has published findings, in peer reviewed scientific journals, including: Amen, DG, Paldi, JH, Thisted, R Evaluating ADHD with Brain SPECT Imaging J of Child and Adol Psychiatry 32:1080-1081, 1993. Attention Deficit Disorders have been validated by published research in prestigious journals, including Lancet, Dougherty D., et. al. Dopamine transporter density in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Lancet 1999 Dec 18-25;354(9196):2132-3 and the Journal of the American Medical Association, Castellanos, X., et. al., Developmental Trajectories of Brain Volume Abnormalities in Children and Adolescents With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder JAMA. 2002;288:1740-1748. The scientific debate concerning the existence of Attention Deficit Disorders has ended. Dogmatic debates continue to deprive many people with Attention Deficit Disorders of an opportunity to achieve their full potential.

Steven Sponaugle, Research Director, Florida Detox

This is an excellent book that goes into great detail about ADD. It's the first book I have read that goes beyond the clinical hyper or inattention aspects of the disorder. It gives parents an excellent resource and peace of mind about how they can successfully help their children.

Author of
THE TRUTH
ABOUT CAFFEINE

In page xvii of the introduction, Dr. Amen writes "Stimulant medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, or Dexedrine are among the safest and most effective medications in psychiatry". That sounds reassuring until you read the article in Medical News Today (August 22, 2006) mentioning that "Dexedrine and Ritalin are drugs used to treat ADHD. The FDA announced changes to their labels, and possibly those of some other ADHD drugs, to include a warning of a risk of heart problems and psychotic behavior". That is not reassuring at all. This book is writing in an authoritative style - sort of the bible of ADHD, the book that tells you what it is, and how to go about it. The only problem is that it is flawed.

This is an excellent book that goes into great detail about ADD. It's the first book I have read that goes beyond the clinical hyper or inattention aspects of the disorder. It gives parents an excellent resource and peace of mind about how they can successfully help their children.


Marina Kushner
Author
The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote It Deceive Us and What We Can Do about It

Dr. Amen did an excellant job of explaining ADHD and the brain based research that he's done in a way that's easy to read and understand. It's a great resourse for those looking to understand how the brain is affected by this disorder and the way a variety of treatments can be effective.

It was very indepth and gave very practical soultions that really work. I especially liked the section on the automatic negitive thoughts. I never realized how much I kept myself from suceeding in life.
I'm at the airport posting this review and looking forward to my long flight now that I have this book. Halfway through I simply cannot put it down. Just like my other book called "The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote it Deceive Us and What We Can Do About It" My doctor recommended it to all of his patients and I can tell why, its got me off my red bull fix. Available on Amazon so buy it. Oh, gotta run or I'll miss my flight!.

This book is an excellent resource on ADD / ADHD. I have been reading and attending workshops on ADD since my son was 8 and he is now 30. I was diagnosed with ADD myself in my late 40's, and now take Adderall. It took me 2 years to find the right medication. Dr. Amen shares suggested medication for the 6 different types of ADD, which can save you time and money in Dr. appointments and trying medications and different doses of medications that don't fit your needs. This book is worth it's weight in gold. My family suffered a great deal because of my son's ADD and the difficulty of getting it diagnosed. I have purchased 19 of these books and given them to teachers, counselors, doctors and parents of children with ADD. I gave this book to the past Head of Psychiatry at University of Birmingham and he was extremely impressed with it. Taking the test to see which type or types of ADD you have is simple and right on the money. I read Dr. Amen's first book "Change Your Brain Change Your Life," and was so impressed with it, I called his office to see if he could see my son. I was told he didn't treat patients anymore, and asked for a referral of a Dr. somewhat close to me (since I live on the East Coast). I took my son to Dr. George Stein in Alexandria, VA (who they referred me to), and I truly believe he saved my son's life. My son is doing great now, and it's because of Dr. Amen and Dr. Stein.
I suggest you tell everyone you know that deals with ADD about this book. It will be the best thing you can do for them.

This book helped me a great deal. After my son, 3, was diagnosed with ADHD I was lost. There is so much information out there and you aren't sure what is right and what is hype. This book gave me peace of mind.

I found this book to be very useful in understanding the different ways ADD manifests itself. I find the concepts helped me inspire my clients to see the gifts they have and not overly focus on negative traits which just makes the condition worse.

It also helped me in designing creative yet very simple organizing solutions to help clients with ADD get organized. ADD clients are often brilliant at using their creativity to come up with complex organizing approaches, but then they can't stick with them. So I help them simplify.

If you have a loved one, clients or if you think you might have ADD, this book is well worth the read.

I like the insightfullness the book provides. ADD is a real physiological condition. One can easily see Dr Amen is a pioneer and an experienced psychiatrist. Definilty part of an Add'ers read list.

A few things I question:
Heart damage caused by long term stimulant used is not mentioned. Only that with certain medications check blood pressure and have periodic EKG, i think this needs to be emphasized a lot more. Irradic heartbeat and pain in one or both arms means stop medication.

Long term use of medication and waning effects of medication over time- what happens if you are a 4.0 student on medicine, get a good job doing analytic work, then your medications doesnt work as well, and your stuck with a degree that doesnt describe you anymore doing poor work? Definitly needs to be addressed in any good book.

This book and the heasling anxiety and depression book both mention a patient that stopped her medication abruptly then it did not work as well when she restarted it. In the first book it was an antidepressant, healing add book alludes to it as a stimulant-- a bit of incosistency there.

Not all people are severe not benefit from a good open minded psychatrist - SPECT is not always needed

easy read. Helpful for the confused parent....throws, light on a subject not easily understood. Now I wonder if I was an(undiagnosed) ADD sufferer as a young person???? Good read.

This book is both incredible and controversial as it is based on the idea that ADHD actually consists of six subtypes, unfortunately there is no peer reviewed data to support this idea at the current time (at least that i am aware of) . Regardless of this fact the book is extremely useful, and can be broken down into two main sections. The first is concerned with the biology of ADHD (in the context of the six subtypes) and how they specifically affect individuals. The second part of the book, which is where I spend the bulk of my time reading is focused on the treatment of ADHD. This is the only book to date ( 2002), that I feel provides readers with a proper overview of what multimodal treatment should be. The second half of this book provides readers with suggestions and strategies for managing ADHD from biological, psychological, and social aspects. I highly recommend this book if your have been recently diagnosed and aren't sure how to begin managing your ADHD.