3.97

4

Jun 20, 2011

Doctors thought I had depression/anxiety, but when I had to change doctors and the new doctor who has a background in neurology, started asking me about the medication the previous doctor had put me on and then asking me specific questions about my life, school, organization struggles, etc. He told me I test positive for type 2 A.D.D. and not depression. Currently working off the depression meds, and starting a new course of action. This explains a lot of my frustrations I had in school growing Doctors thought I had depression/anxiety, but when I had to change doctors and the new doctor who has a background in neurology, started asking me about the medication the previous doctor had put me on and then asking me specific questions about my life, school, organization struggles, etc. He told me I test positive for type 2 A.D.D. and not depression. Currently working off the depression meds, and starting a new course of action. This explains a lot of my frustrations I had in school growing up. I was a good student, but I had to work a lot harder and longer for my grades. Dr. Amen gives some good insight and techniques in his book which seem to be helping me, but I don't agree with some of his theories. I also don't like the title of the book. I like my brain. I like the creativity, intelligence and insights it allows me to have. I don't feel like I need to be "healed" I feel like I just need to find better skills and strategies to work with my brain. It is a good brain, just a little distracted and disorganized at times. ...more

5

Oct 16, 2008

Loved this book. It has information I've never heard about ADHD, even though it was written several years ago. Dr. Amen is a neuroscientist who has used SPECT brain-imaging scans to see activity and blood-flow patterns of thousands of people. The images correspond with his findings on what's happening in the brains of people with ADHD (as well as lots of other things like brain injury and drug/alcohol use--take a look at real scan pictures at www.amenclinic.com--fascinating stuff). Very helpful Loved this book. It has information I've never heard about ADHD, even though it was written several years ago. Dr. Amen is a neuroscientist who has used SPECT brain-imaging scans to see activity and blood-flow patterns of thousands of people. The images correspond with his findings on what's happening in the brains of people with ADHD (as well as lots of other things like brain injury and drug/alcohol use--take a look at real scan pictures at www.amenclinic.com--fascinating stuff). Very helpful information. ...more

4

Sep 12, 2008

Excellent resource for parents who either suspect that their child may have ADD or has been diagnosed with it. As I read the core symptoms of ADD, I discovered that I have it myself. I've been able to function better just knowing that I have an "ADD brain". I'm not crazy or lazy, I just have to work with the way my brain acts.

4

Mar 30, 2013

My son's psychiatrist recommended this book. He has a sub-type of ADHD which regular stimulant medication was only causing bad behavioral side-effects (increased obsessive behavior and explosive temper tantrums). This book based on research and PET scans of kids brains helped me understand why and deal with the ups and downs as we experimented with medication cocktails which would help him with his impulsiveness (under-stimulated parts of the brain) without over-stimulating the parts which were My son's psychiatrist recommended this book. He has a sub-type of ADHD which regular stimulant medication was only causing bad behavioral side-effects (increased obsessive behavior and explosive temper tantrums). This book based on research and PET scans of kids brains helped me understand why and deal with the ups and downs as we experimented with medication cocktails which would help him with his impulsiveness (under-stimulated parts of the brain) without over-stimulating the parts which were causing trouble (over-stimulated parts of the brain).

I'm giving this book a 'hard' review of less than 5-stars because there was one thing I really found myself wishing for and hope Dr. Amen will add it to the next revision of this book ... a synopsis at the end of each chapter with a list of symptoms to help you differentiate one of the six types of ADHD from one of the other six types outlined in this book. The case studies are excellent, but I was left looking at two types asking 'which one?' (In the end ... the mere fact it's a real physiological illness and not because I'm a bad parent wants to make me send Dr. Amen a dozen roses for writing this excellent book!)

If your kid has ADHD and isn't responding to Ritalin, buy this book! ...more

3

Feb 01, 2009

I am surrounded by people who I suddenly understood a lot better from the information in this book. It also gave me some tools to put some of them on a path to discover the truth about themselves and how to improve their lives. I noticed a lot of duplicate information in this book from one of Dr. Amen's other books I read, but if you are not planning to read all of his books you'll be glad it is in there. If you at all suspect someone you care about has ADD, this is a great starting point.

4

Nov 28, 2008

Dissecting the 6 types of ADD and what can be done to deal with the disorder as it is. Living apart of a family with different types of ADD is challenging, this book helps as it does not give the simplistic antidotes about ADD = forgetfulness, HaHaHa. This gives case studies of Dr. Amen's patients and the course of action he used to bring about balance using medicine.

Now this is not a book for someone looking to diagnose themselves with the disorder, rather it gives a glimpse into how ADD Dissecting the 6 types of ADD and what can be done to deal with the disorder as it is. Living apart of a family with different types of ADD is challenging, this book helps as it does not give the simplistic antidotes about ADD = forgetfulness, HaHaHa. This gives case studies of Dr. Amen's patients and the course of action he used to bring about balance using medicine.

Now this is not a book for someone looking to diagnose themselves with the disorder, rather it gives a glimpse into how ADD manifests itself, what the families had done in the past - what led them to the Amen clinic, and the remedies the clinic has used to assist the patient to overcome ADD.

What am I doing right now....Stopped drinking coffee - switched to Yerba Mate.....Changed the entire family's diet to a Vegan/Vegetarian/Raw Food diet (this is not an ideologist view of food - rather food as a cure approach)....working with the family doc who was recently certified in "stop Autism now" approach, who has augmented my severely ADD son's medication regime. ...more

5

Sep 08, 2007

This book describes the different types of ADD which are quite different from each other. If you have a kid with any problems with school, relationships, verbalizing, or depression, read it.
This man is a dynamo of energy and enthusiam for fixing the brain when everyone else is giving up. Often he decibes sitautions where wrong disagnosis are given to a person and their life slowly falls apart - for no reason. There are solutions. He has a practise in Cliafornia and Virginia and writes a This book describes the different types of ADD which are quite different from each other. If you have a kid with any problems with school, relationships, verbalizing, or depression, read it.
This man is a dynamo of energy and enthusiam for fixing the brain when everyone else is giving up. Often he decibes sitautions where wrong disagnosis are given to a person and their life slowly falls apart - for no reason. There are solutions. He has a practise in Cliafornia and Virginia and writes a zillions books too. He uses innovative methods of diagnosing his patients and teaching other shrinks to do the same.
I would love to take whatever mediation or therapy he takes cuz the guy seems to be the nicest, most empathetic, full of energy person in the world.
...more

4

Dec 29, 2013

I found this book to be very informative and reader-friendly. Dr. Amen's style of writing was very engaging and I especially liked the case examples. As I was reviewing the 7 identified types of ADD, I thought some of the descriptions were more fitting for comorbid diagnoses rather than just ADD alone. I found Dr. Amen's treatment approach to be very comprehensive and holistic. This is the way healthcare should be provided!

4

Sep 06, 2008

This book is helping me to fully understand my son's diagnosis of ADD. So many symptoms that are mentioned in the book as related to ADD are very much my child, and I had not before associated them with this disorder. I now better understand what our pediatrician was explaining to us about brain neurotransmitters and what the effect is on the brain. Generally, I get bored reading medical-related books, but this one is so relevant to us that I am having no problems reading and understanding it.

3

May 27, 2018

Overall, I'm sort of meh on the book. Maybe if I had read it earlier on in our journey through learning about ADHD, I would have been more impressed, but at this point, I wasn't learning a ton of new things. It's really lengthy, but good for skimming. It does have some interesting perspectives on the variations of ADD and respective nuances in approach, but at times a little heavy handed on the author/doctor's proprietary brain scans and all his anecdotal references. It didn't have enough Overall, I'm sort of meh on the book. Maybe if I had read it earlier on in our journey through learning about ADHD, I would have been more impressed, but at this point, I wasn't learning a ton of new things. It's really lengthy, but good for skimming. It does have some interesting perspectives on the variations of ADD and respective nuances in approach, but at times a little heavy handed on the author/doctor's proprietary brain scans and all his anecdotal references. It didn't have enough scientific, research based facts to sway me. In general, it felt more like a manual of how to be a patient at his practice rather than how to truly navigate the world of ADHD. ...more

5

Dec 07, 2014

If I had an ADHD Required Reading list, this would go on it. Amen's work doing brain scans of ADHD patients has yielded some fascinating pieces to the story of what may cause the disorder and what is actually happening in the brains of those who have this difference. While I'm not sure it lives up to its title to "heal" ADHD, the book provides much useful information all based in science, such as the fact that brain scans show that certain parts of the brain's of folks with ADHD may almost shut If I had an ADHD Required Reading list, this would go on it. Amen's work doing brain scans of ADHD patients has yielded some fascinating pieces to the story of what may cause the disorder and what is actually happening in the brains of those who have this difference. While I'm not sure it lives up to its title to "heal" ADHD, the book provides much useful information all based in science, such as the fact that brain scans show that certain parts of the brain's of folks with ADHD may almost shut down when they are told to "focus," so you have to find a different way of helping them. (This reminded me of a time in scuba instruction when I was struggling with a particular breathing/swimming test and the instructor just kept screaming at me to "CALM DOWN!!" instead of offering me constructive coaching. My response (internally) was "Well, genius, if I could do that don't you think I WOULD??" ADHD folks must have the same reaction on a daily basis.) Dr. Amen writes in a very accessible way with lots of stories and good humor, which was very much appreciated. He also takes a holistic approach, discussing natural remedies along with they more typical pharmaceutical and behavioral treatments. ...more

5

May 11, 2016

This is a great resource that sums up Dr. Amen's work on ADD in the last decade. I have seen him speak a handful of times and having recently discovered I have a version of ADD, quickly searched out Amen resources for his wise insights and fearless non-traditional approaches.

Amen is controversial in the psychiatry world for his use of SPECT imaging, SPECT, as I understand it, provides a geographic map of the brain and detects the levels of activity in different regions of the brain. From this This is a great resource that sums up Dr. Amen's work on ADD in the last decade. I have seen him speak a handful of times and having recently discovered I have a version of ADD, quickly searched out Amen resources for his wise insights and fearless non-traditional approaches.

Amen is controversial in the psychiatry world for his use of SPECT imaging, SPECT, as I understand it, provides a geographic map of the brain and detects the levels of activity in different regions of the brain. From this information, Amen can deduce if adverse behaviors are due to brain development issues and address those areas specifically, before engaging in the typical therapy and medications. There are many wonder stories Amen has of patients who came to him after finding no relief with traditional psychiatrist, he then runs a scan and treats a specific part of the brain (for example an underactive frontal lobe) leading to improvement, and sometimes strengthening the deficient area, a "cure".

The wonderful insight of this book are the seven divisions of ADD that Dr. Amen has identified and distinguished, revealing the nuance in an "over-prescribed" and often claimed as "fake" condition. There are great explanations for the typical medical treatments, such as stimulants and anti-depressants, and when they are necessary, as well as specific suggested remedies unique to each of the seven ADD categories. Being that the brain is part of a system, Amen also details a proper nutrition plan as well as many other personal development items, such as journaling and getting rid of automatic negative thoughts. I feel that even if someone already has an understanding of ADD, they will benefit from this book due to Amen’s unique spin.

To offer my own story, I came to discover I had ADD within the last several months. I have always had an ardent thirst for knowledge – personally and academically - but have felt like a martyr through the mental flogging required satisfying this desire. My own ADD type appears to be largely “limbic ADD”, something Amen describes as being due to an overactive limbic system which regulates emotion. Due to this, limbic ADD is commonly associated with depression and negative thoughts; I have experienced depression most of my life, largely in relation to feeling like a failure (hello ADD) and being unable to divorce myself from studies to areas I may be “more incline towards”. Anti-depressants never worked for me, as it turns out I don’t have typical “depression” and it’s actually a symptom of Limbic ADD, and a mild stimulant made the world of difference. A small dose of Adderall along with personal development practices has the despair receding and me feeling normal again; rediscovering a side of myself I forgot about for nearly 4 years.

As a point of comparison, I also purchased Dr. Amen’s 30 Days to ADD Healing course for $150 and I have to say I feel this book is much better. The course may be great for people who need to be held accountable to something, but I found it much more frustrating to navigate the information and felt it offered nothing new beyond providing worksheets for Amen’s suggested personal development exercises. In this book, everything is concise and it’s cheap. To the reviewers who mention this book leaves you hanging, well yes, it’s just a book, you must pursue the change. If the book isn’t sufficient enough, then the call to action is to visit Amen’s SPECT center to truly figure out with going on in your head, or join his online course. With all the being said, this book is a gem and worth much more than its price tag.

Through reading Amen as a whole, I have come to develop a sort of Physicalism. It appears that many people with adverse behaviors do not simply lack willpower, virtue, or a good environment, but rather the issues are linked to one's brain. ADD people don't "choose" not to study, rather due to the less developed part of the brain ( in some ADD types), their regulatory systems for making prudent choices are impaired. Although this is not a scientific textbook, I can imagine some of the material being supplemental to a study of neuroscience or determinism.

Reviewers may be right that the book is repetitive, but don’t let that stop you; be an active reader and find what’s important to you. I probably only read 30 pages in total myself, moving between area relevant to my question and skipping Amen’s anecdotes as I have heard them before.

Amen’s book serves as an excellent primer to anyone new to the concept or someone trying to become actively involved in their own treatment. It’s an easy read even if you just do section skimming, where I highly recommend it. After reading his book, I realize my psychiatrist has loosely used several concepts of his, but this book has offered excellent depth that I don’t think I would otherwise have come to discover; and I’m not sure if my psych understands the fullness of Amen’s principles either. In essence, this book makes ADD much less of a mystery and more a hopeful prospect of overcoming. Amen points out, and as an experience of ADD will know, people with ADD are no weak, but are especially strong when they are resourceful enough to get by or cope without knowledge that their struggles aren’t the norm. Solutions for ADD are less about “fixing” someone, and more about helping you reach your full potential.

Thank you Dr. Amen for not being afraid to be controversial in your method and helping me to better understand myself.

Note: Amen has a newer edition of this book which details a 7th category of ADD and has a much more aesthetically pleasing cover.
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3

May 23, 2017

I love how at the beginning of the book he says that if you have ADD you probably won't finish reading this book! Ha! Well that made me determined to finish it! It took me a while but I did it. I liked this book and the concept of how our brains work differently. The only thing that bothered me is that many times I would finish a chapter and think "Gosh, I feel like everyone has ADD!" Hahaha! I wish that I had access to an Amen Clinic to get my son and I tested. I have never been diagnosed with I love how at the beginning of the book he says that if you have ADD you probably won't finish reading this book! Ha! Well that made me determined to finish it! It took me a while but I did it. I liked this book and the concept of how our brains work differently. The only thing that bothered me is that many times I would finish a chapter and think "Gosh, I feel like everyone has ADD!" Hahaha! I wish that I had access to an Amen Clinic to get my son and I tested. I have never been diagnosed with ADD, but have always suspected I had it. Dr. Amen believe it is hereditary. I worry now a days that so much of just the nature of boyhood is being labeled as ADD. So it would be nice to take a peek into my sons brain and even mine to see if he really truly has ADD. I did like that he validated the use of medication. So I think this was helpful...now I just need help remembering everything I read! Hahaha! ...more

5

Apr 03, 2008

Daniel Amen is able to explain a lot about brain activation patterns in an understandable way and there are plenty of SPECT scan images in the book that also help in visualizing how the brain is working inefficiently in some ways. He has a clinic in Reston, VA and is a proponent of neurofeedback.

5

Sep 17, 2009

This is probably the best ADHD book I have read so far. He is realistic about medication therapy and it's role, and also outlines natural therapies that can help without being judgmental either way--which is rare in this field. I love that he has been such a pioneer with SPECT brain scans in a clinical setting that show the actual physiological issues behind the behaviors. Hopefully it will catch on and become more readily available nationwide!

5

Jun 07, 2013

This book helped me realize the feelings of exhaustion and being overwhelmed is okay. Seeing I haven't found a doctor that I feel cares as much about my son as I , I have resorted to doing my own Research. For awhile I have felt my child needs more vitamins and minerals because he is a picky eater. I mentioned it to his doctor and she said it may or may not help. I was super annoyed so after reading this book I decided to just change that part of his diet. After two weeks of making sure he gets This book helped me realize the feelings of exhaustion and being overwhelmed is okay. Seeing I haven't found a doctor that I feel cares as much about my son as I , I have resorted to doing my own Research. For awhile I have felt my child needs more vitamins and minerals because he is a picky eater. I mentioned it to his doctor and she said it may or may not help. I was super annoyed so after reading this book I decided to just change that part of his diet. After two weeks of making sure he gets a multi vitamin, magnesium, omega 3 and B6, I have noticed great improvements. He no longer takes 2 + hours to fall asleep at night because he is getting the minerals that help his body produce serotonin. Does he still need medication? Yes but I can go with a smaller dose and the days we go without he is a little more manageable. I also increased his protein intake, very helpful. ...more

5

Jul 31, 2010

I have read several books on the subject of ADD--this is the best of them. There are many very interesting aspects to this book. The author has been able to break ADD into six categories. People who suffer from ADD generally fall into one of these categories, though occasionally, into a combination of them. There is a questionnaire that helps one to sort out which category one might fit into. Most interesting of all, is the gallery of SPECT brain scans, that correspond to these six categories of I have read several books on the subject of ADD--this is the best of them. There are many very interesting aspects to this book. The author has been able to break ADD into six categories. People who suffer from ADD generally fall into one of these categories, though occasionally, into a combination of them. There is a questionnaire that helps one to sort out which category one might fit into. Most interesting of all, is the gallery of SPECT brain scans, that correspond to these six categories of ADD. A person who has ADD has a normal SPECT brain scan when relaxing. But when performing a mental task (like arithmetic), the brain scan often shows an abnormal absence of activity! The author also shows which medications are appropriate for the six categories of ADD. The wrong medication can actually worsen one's problems. ...more

3

Dec 20, 2015

I wasn't as impressed with this book as I had originally anticipated. I supposed maybe it's because most of the information I read in the book I was already aware of.

Also the language was kind of drab, and redundant. I wish the chapters were a little more unique, or perhaps some set up in a somewhat of a different way to keep my attention.

Aside from that it really was an educational book, that I'm still glad to have read. I always like learning about the many different opinions/schools of I wasn't as impressed with this book as I had originally anticipated. I supposed maybe it's because most of the information I read in the book I was already aware of.

Also the language was kind of drab, and redundant. I wish the chapters were a little more unique, or perhaps some set up in a somewhat of a different way to keep my attention.

Aside from that it really was an educational book, that I'm still glad to have read. I always like learning about the many different opinions/schools of thought on ADHD. I find myself falling into the camp of the best ADHD treatments are those followed in all aeas of life: eating, exercise, mental/emotional health, and yes even medication.

I like the fact that Amen outlines the fact that different people have different type of ADHD, and even shows some of the scientific reasons, like how different brains are wired as to why.

It's a decent read, but probably not the first book I would point somebody towards who's first learning about ADD and ADHD. ...more

5

Aug 04, 2014

The NEW edition is out, with 7 types of ADD.

After reading this book I realized few doctors are as gifted as Dr. Amen to see the details of trying to live with ADD. This book offers updated information on defining which of the ADD are the likely issues and it can be more than one type. In a kind, thoughtful, non-judgemental presentation, he offers case information to show successes thru physical exercise, type specific supplements to support brain function, and a better diet of clean meats and The NEW edition is out, with 7 types of ADD.

After reading this book I realized few doctors are as gifted as Dr. Amen to see the details of trying to live with ADD. This book offers updated information on defining which of the ADD are the likely issues and it can be more than one type. In a kind, thoughtful, non-judgemental presentation, he offers case information to show successes thru physical exercise, type specific supplements to support brain function, and a better diet of clean meats and vegetables . . .and carefully selected medications for each type.

I had my son tested by two practitioners and neither picked up on the ADD in their method of testing. When I stumbled on Dr. Amen's PBS program he had my attention. I had finally found the diagnosis for my son and myself, and the book has helped define a course of action.

ADD is complicated and as such not straightforward; the presentation of the book's material is such that reading cover to cover is a must. Or at least cover the whole book . . . ...more

4

Jun 09, 2015

I have dealt with a spotty attention span my entire life, through recent personal work I have started to look into ADD as a contributing factor to my issues, as well as issues within my family. This book breaks down the various faces of ADD through brain scans, anecdotes and what I found most fascinating; explanation of neuroscience. It opened me up more than ever before to how many factors effect how your brain functions, and has helped me form a plan to get myself and loved ones the help I have dealt with a spotty attention span my entire life, through recent personal work I have started to look into ADD as a contributing factor to my issues, as well as issues within my family. This book breaks down the various faces of ADD through brain scans, anecdotes and what I found most fascinating; explanation of neuroscience. It opened me up more than ever before to how many factors effect how your brain functions, and has helped me form a plan to get myself and loved ones the help needed for better brain maintenance.

A couple things that keep me from giving this a perfect score are;
-through this book I checked out the Amen website, and it definitely has been given the "Hollywood doctor" treatment, which in my opinion, detracts from taking it seriously
-so many of the symptoms described in this book are associated with many other defects or psychological issues, I understand why he doesn't draw the line to other disorders very much, but this book could easily make anyone feel like they have some ADD, or at least I kept asking "if that's true, doesn't EVERYONE have ADD?!"

Otherwise, a great read with a lot of enlightening facts! ...more

5

Jun 15, 2013

ADD is not what I thought it was.

I have a child who has been experiencing difficulty in many areas of her life, but the constant arguing (between me and her, and also between her and other family members) was what finally drove me to take her to a therapist. And to my surprise, the diagnosis was ADD, something not even on my radar, and which I was not convinced was even "real." So, she gave us recommended reading, and as my husband put it, ADD is not what we thought it was. This book has been ADD is not what I thought it was.

I have a child who has been experiencing difficulty in many areas of her life, but the constant arguing (between me and her, and also between her and other family members) was what finally drove me to take her to a therapist. And to my surprise, the diagnosis was ADD, something not even on my radar, and which I was not convinced was even "real." So, she gave us recommended reading, and as my husband put it, ADD is not what we thought it was. This book has been very helpful in helping us to see what ADD is, and this book in particular showed that the typical brain dysfunction of ADD can be shown with a specific type of brain scan. (It's expensive and there isn't a particular need to do it for diagnosis, but it was really fascinating to learn that it is actually possible to see the malfunction on a scan - an objective test, as it were, rather than the more subjective tests that are commonly used to diagnose ADD.)

It also very thoroughly goes through many self-help strategies which might be helpful - diet, exercise, etc. Many common medications are also discussed, with the pros and cons of each type.

...more

2

Jan 15, 2015

Amens is, controversially, at the forefront of a revolution in psychiatry, using SPECT scans to actually observe brain activity. Thus,it is claimed, rather than a clinicians all-too-fallible interpretation of behavior, one can literally quantify and delineate exactly what is going wrong within a person’s brain. It is very possible that in 50 years or so, the entire panoply of mental health diagnoses may change – based on the observation of clear malfunctions within the brain. I am not suggesting Amens is, controversially, at the forefront of a revolution in psychiatry, using SPECT scans to actually observe brain activity. Thus,it is claimed, rather than a clinicians all-too-fallible interpretation of behavior, one can literally quantify and delineate exactly what is going wrong within a person’s brain. It is very possible that in 50 years or so, the entire panoply of mental health diagnoses may change – based on the observation of clear malfunctions within the brain. I am not suggesting that psychological (rather than neurological) disturbance will no longer exist, nor that mind and soul are merely a “secretion” of the brain, but Amens makes a case to work with the hardware (neurology) in addition to the software (psychology).  However, Amens has been faulted in not establishing through full studies the veracity of what he claims. Amens has commercialized and asserted a level of accuracy that is not generally supported by other neurologists. It is, as yet unclear, if through his SPECT scans, he takes a snapshot in the moment, or if he is capturing a picture of a consistent brain state in his patients.
Furthermore, he takes ADD as an immutable disorder--there is considerable evidence that much of what is described as ADD is an artifact of forcing children - particularly boys - into environments (the modern school system) that are not biologically sound. A human child is not essentially 'built' to learn by sitting unmoving most of the day and playfulness (through which they really learn) is sanctioned as disturbed behavior.
There is no doubt that there are some children who manifest pathological neurological organization and even structure. The vast majority of children diagnosed with ADD almost surely do not. ...more

5

Feb 22, 2015

I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 39. I resisted the idea for about a minute: "But that is just for young boys," I said. "No," replied my doctor. "It's for everybody and I think it could explain a great deal about the problems you are describing. I'd like to refer you to a psychiatrist..."

So I got on the internet, did a self-test that convinced me, and made an appointment with the psychiatrist. She confirmed the diagnosis and asked if I wanted medicine. I didn't. "Just tell me what your I was diagnosed with ADD at the age of 39. I resisted the idea for about a minute: "But that is just for young boys," I said. "No," replied my doctor. "It's for everybody and I think it could explain a great deal about the problems you are describing. I'd like to refer you to a psychiatrist..."

So I got on the internet, did a self-test that convinced me, and made an appointment with the psychiatrist. She confirmed the diagnosis and asked if I wanted medicine. I didn't. "Just tell me what your favorite book is on this subject."

And that's when I got this one - and it turned out to be a life changer!

Part medical text and part real-life storytelling, Healing ADD explains so much, not just about my constant irritability and procrastination, but also about my financial debt, hatred for telephones and also for housework, and all those blown deadlines. With understanding comes peace, rather than self-flagellation. What a relief.

Then there are the strategies for healing. Sleep, diet, exercise. No surprises there. Tackle automatic negative thinking. That makes sense. Supplements and medications. Check. Dr. Amen's breakthrough is using brain scan technology to identify six separate kinds of ADD and describing which treatments work best for which types. A self-test in the book helped me identify my kind of ADD and choose strategies to address the specific dysfunction.

One of the myths of ADD is that someone with the condition wouldn't be able to read a 400 page book on the subject. Not true. It's the mundane stuff we struggle with. If we find something interesting, we're good all day long. Healing ADD is riveting from beginning to end. I recommend this for anyone who may have ADD or who loves someone who does.


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4

Jul 22, 2011

I was more impressed than I thought I'd be with this book.

Should a person who has difficulties assuming a "normal" life in spite of high intelligence, "settle" for a job beneath his abilities mainly so he will not be overly stressed, and then enjoy his hobbies? That's what I had decided would be best for the people I know who suffer with emotional problems.

But what if they could be treated for whatever they have, and then assume a more normal life?

page 8: Brett, 27, had just been fired from I was more impressed than I thought I'd be with this book.

Should a person who has difficulties assuming a "normal" life in spite of high intelligence, "settle" for a job beneath his abilities mainly so he will not be overly stressed, and then enjoy his hobbies? That's what I had decided would be best for the people I know who suffer with emotional problems.

But what if they could be treated for whatever they have, and then assume a more normal life?

page 8: Brett, 27, had just been fired from his fourth job in a year...Brett had trouble with details, he was often late to work; he seemed disorganized...his mother was tired of bailing him out...small amounts of homework would take him several hours to complete...With appropriate treatment at last, his life made a dramatic turnaround. He returned to school, finished a technical degree...got a job...kept that job for eight years now and feels that he is happier, more focused, and more positive than ever before.

Me: After discussion with D, remember that the author is trying to sell books. And he has not told of the people who fail to respond. Drugs have many side effects.

Me: But drugs are not the only answers! I am happy to find that this book reports other treatments that can be successful. Surely, they are worth a try!

page 131 ff: Type 5, Limbic ADD (moodiness, negativity, low energy, frequent irritability, tendency to be socially isolated, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or excessive guilt; lowered interest in fun things; sleep changes; chronic low self-esteem...ADD and depression intersect.

page 249: Type 5...often best treated with a stimulating antidepressant medication, such as desipramine, imipramine, buprion, and venlafaxine (if there are anterior cingulate issues as well). These meds...increase the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and/or dopamine...more stimulating than other antidepressants...need to be monitored more closely than stimulants, especially for their effect on heart function. Many adults respond to very low doses of these meds...for ADD symptoms. Low doses often produce far fewer side effects than the higher "antidepressant" doses...these meds...may take several weeks to a month to become effective...Do not take more than 150 mg at a time of the regular-release prep [Wellbutrin] or 300 mg of the slow-release prep.
[helpful chart on page 250]

page 255 [Type 2--inattentive]: amino acid L-tyrosine in doses of 500 to 1,500 mg 2-3 X/day for adults...increase the brain level of phenylethylamine (PEA), a mild stimulant...take it on an empty stomach (a half hour before meals or an hour after meals). I have not seen any side effects with L-tyrosine, except for mild weight loss...Symptoms of dopamine deficiency include hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, low body temperature (cold hands and feet), and restless leg syndrome.

page 256: Grape-seed extract and Pycnogenol (a patented French pine bark extract) have also shown some mild benefit for Type 1 and Type 2 ADD.

page 261: Limbic ADD has many symptoms of mild depression...supplements that seem to help this type...best are DL-phenylalanine (DLPA), L-tyrosine, and S-Adenosyl-Methionine (SAMe)...DLPA, by boosting norepinephrine's precursor, can have a positive impact on mood and focus...doses of 400 mg 3X/day on an empty stomach...
People who have bipolar disorder...should not take SAMe...

And here are Amen's 6 types of ADD:
1. Classic (what most people think of as ADD: hyperactive, restless; evident early in life).
2. Inattentive [scored on]
3. Overfocused (worries; oppositional; compulsive; hold grudges; holds on)
4. Temporal Lobe (temper; irritable; panic; paranoid; dark thoughts)
5. Limbic (above)
6. Ring of Fire (angry; sensitive; mood changes; inflexible; mean; talks; grandiose; anxious)

page 387: I order SPECT studies for very specific reasons. Because of our very large database, I actually order fewer studies now than I did several years ago...A SPECT study by itself will not give a diagnosis. SPECT studies help the clinician understand more...Diagnoses about specific conditions are made through a combination of clinical history, personal interview, information from families, diagnostic checklists, SPECT studies and other neuropsychological tests. No study is "a doctor in a box" that can give accurate diagnoses on individual patients.
Why are SPECT studies ordered? Some...common reasons: evaluation of seizure activity...stroke...dementia...head trauma...atypical...aggressive behavior...drug or alcohol abuse...typing of ADD when clinical presentation is not clear.





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4

Jan 03, 2019

An excellent all round explanation of Attention Deficit Disorder that comes replete with case studies and numerous brain images. It also offers a range of cures from medication to self-hypnosis. The best part for me was the subtyping of ADD into seven versions based on symptoms. There is an address in the book to a 70 question survey on the author's website that will help the reader identify which subtype, if any, they have. On the minus side, the book read at times like an advertisement for An excellent all round explanation of Attention Deficit Disorder that comes replete with case studies and numerous brain images. It also offers a range of cures from medication to self-hypnosis. The best part for me was the subtyping of ADD into seven versions based on symptoms. There is an address in the book to a 70 question survey on the author's website that will help the reader identify which subtype, if any, they have. On the minus side, the book read at times like an advertisement for Daniel Amen's clinics. It also repeated itself unnecessarily and I estimate that 35% of the content could have been eliminated without any loss of information. Overall, a highly recommended resource for anyone who believes they suffer from this affliction. ...more