Wonderful but beware heavy on product placement

This was a great book. There isn't a lot of extraneous information like other books (although some is still there). He gets to the point which is perfect for people that have low attention spans. Highly recommend for those looking for the latest overall picture of ADHD updated science. My biggest complaint would have to be the product placements. There is recommendations for trying products that didn't seem to have a ton of evidence for (at least that is referenced). For example, if you go to Zing Performance or Kolbe A Index, you will see his name under "how did you hear about us?". So it seems reasonable that he may be getting kickback. I'm sure not how I feel about the ethics of that, and I feel like he could have done a better job of giving disclaimers, but a great deal of a few of the chapters felt like a sales pitch for some of these products. People with ADHD can be desperate and impulsive to buy and try anything, so it kind of makes us a bit vulnerable. Maybe they work, and they are the magic bullet, but it's very much a part of this book. Otherwise a ton of great stuff. Don't pass on it, just be aware. Definitely avoid the Kolbe Index. It's a rabbit hole of $$$ that will give you only basic vague insight you are probably already aware for answers to extremely ambiguous questions. Then will ask for more money to get unhelpful and extremely vague options for possible careers. I felt like it was a scam after spending >$100

29 people found this helpful

Full of adds for non-proven treatments. So disappointing.

I am a psychiatric provider specializing in ADHD. Dr. Hallowell and Dr. Ratey have always stood out to me as well meaning experts on ADHD who wrote their books based on scientific legit research. While they continue to have good ideas and information in this book, it is also filled with marketing ploys and adds for many brand-specific treatments, including diets, supplements, tests, programs and other devices. Some that they claim to take themselves. Many are treatments I know are definitely not supported by the current research. Can’t say how disappointed I am they have sold out to these companies for the money. Makes it very hard to trust the rest of the information provided here. Very unfortunate.

10 people found this helpful

To many adds!

The book at some points sounds like it is a bit too long commercial of supplements and some non-medical devices which are supposed to help with ADHD. Unfortunately the research supporting advertised stuff is often not shown.

5 people found this helpful

Good at first, but devolves rapidly

Important to know going in, the approach the author seemed to take here was to report and extrapolate on the cutting edge of research into ADHD and management strategies. By itself, there is nothing wrong with that. In fact, exposing a lay audience to information they likely don't have access to could he viewed as an important contribution. In my opinion, the author approaches this well in some cases, like when discussing the default mode and task positive networks (DMN and TPN) and their potential explanatory power for inattention and distractibility. At other times, like when there is mention of pretty thoroughly debunked EMF fields and their theorized impacts on health as worthy of consideration, I had a hard time staying engaged. I expected more thorough scrutiny from such an expert in the field. There is also subtle advertising of products and services, which I think is bogus. One section the author spends an entirely excessive amount of time describing an approach that purports to use improvement of the brains vestibular system in regulating emotions. The theory itself is interesting, but instead of the author giving the takeaway, which is to use any method that improves balance, he spends a lot of time trying to sell the audience on an untested treatment method and even gives the founders website and contact information. The most abhorrent is when he describes a provider's novel approach of treating ADHD with antihistamines, naming bandryl specifically. This is irresponsible, as there will inevitably be readers self-medicating with benadryl now. This is particularly dangerous for those who are undiagnosed and therefore have no access to appropriate medication management. If I'm giving the author grace, I think the book was published prematurely and should have waited for the science to progress. My cynical side says this was an income generator or the publishing company pushing for another book prematurely. My nihilistic side says this doctor has lost touch and shouldn't he treating patients anymore. Bottom line: you can skip this one. My suggestion: read up on connections between the DMN and ADHD on your own and save yourself some time. That is the only good information I found after listening to half the audio book. I couldn't stomach finishing it myself.

5 people found this helpful

Finally!

As someone who was recently diagnosed with ADHD, I tried listening to many different ADHD books here on Audible. I kept getting very bored (shocker). This book actually is very useful and filled me with hope, clarity, and excitement for the future.

3 people found this helpful

Incredible content and delivery!

Loved it! Once again you have delivered ADHD information to help anyone gain perspective. Well Done!!!!

3 people found this helpful

Loved it

Very insightful. I didn’t get it all the first time, but I will probably listen through it again. I learned so much new about ADHD, and why what has been going well for me has, and why what has been problematic has.

I liked the narrator and how the book was written. To me it felt very ADHD-friendly.

1 person found this helpful

amazing!

mind blowing information for those dealing with or raising someone with ADHD. can't express how much this changed my plans for living my life more fully with the condition!

LIFE-CHANGING🙏🏽

This book has changed my life even more than their previous book Delivered From Distraction. Thank you Dr. Hallowell & Ratey for your contribution to those like me that now thrive with ADHD🙏🏽

A must if you or your child has ADHD!!

wow just wow. sometimes reading education and medical books you feel like after you read you didn't get many "tips" or you can't summarize. this is NOT the case for this book and I bought the book and then listened to the entire book straight through on a trip home and wow. this book not only gave me tips on things I can do and how to deal with what I am thinking (plus not making me feel bad for the condition I have) but the updated science, examples and both at home and medical information. A MUST. ALSO, IF THE AUTHORS ARE READING THIS THEN JUST WOW AND YOUR WRITING IS AMAZING. also I have been in a "rut" since October when my doctor had me "cold turkey" ALL medication and I tried reading other books in order for me to try and learn how to cope to see if I can get out of the rut and everything made me feel terrible. this book has helped to turn me around. so thank you. everyone, please read.