Just finished reading, "Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults" by Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D.

[Bynddrvn]

So much information in this book, but it really is an easy and interesting read. Dr. Brown makes complicated science, understandable. So much of my life is clear now after reading this book. I knew about the issues related to inattention but not the issues with executive functions and mood regulation.

At the time he wrote this book he was the Asst. Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine and was Associate Director of the Yale Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders. Furthermore, he received his Ph.D. from Yale University and is considered one of the leading experts on ADHD. He now runs a private clinic in California.

I particularly liked his chapter on the disinformation and misinformation floating around ADHD. Honestly have lost count of the number of times I have heard completely inaccurate information regarding ADHD from individuals and medically trained individuals who should know better.

Would be interested to know what other books people recommend on the subject.

[glitterpidgeon]

I will put that one on my list - the executive dysfunction side of ADHD is a huge interest of mine (both because I struggle MIGHTILY with it and because the science is fascinating). I really enjoyed “smart but scattered” by peg Dawson and Richard guare because it went into some of the neuroscience of executive functioning and also offered way to address weaknesses in it (and also because one of the authors has children with ADHD, and I suspect she has it herself, so it had a very ADHD friendly feel).

[Bynddrvn in reply to glitterpidgeon]

Cool - hope you find it as useful as I did. I really liked how well the book is laid out - very logical. He knows his audience well - very ADHD friendly It made sense even though I skipped around to the chapters I was most interested in.

I never knew ADHD had such an impact on executive functions but it makes sense. So much more efficient when I am on my meds.

[Bynddrvn in reply to glitterpidgeon]

Forgot to mention I also read, "A New Understanding of ADHD in Children and Adults" by Thomas E. Brown PhD. The book is quite technical and I had to re-read several passages but if you are interested in the science and testing for executive functions as related to ADHD - the book is really good.

The book helped me make sense of the latest testing I had and I pointed out to the testing center the multiple errors they made in my assessment. They had me simply not take my Ritalin the day of testing and then performed a Conners test. According to CHADD and medical professionals they recommend everything from a 7 to 14 day "washout" period where your body not only processes all remaining Ritalin in your system but also normalizes itself.

Well back to my never ending battle to get back on the only medication that has been effective in treating my ADHD - inattentive type as diagnosed by Dr. Chapman in Alexandria, VA.

[glitterpidgeon in reply to Bynddrvn]

Nice! I have been really curious about the tests. I haven’t gone through them myself (my doctor diagnosed me after a clinical interview), but I have heard mixed reviews of them from people like yourself where many times they weren’t administered or interpreted correctly. Honestly the thought of having to take an evaluation test without so much as coffee sounds like a literal nightmare and gives me ugly flashbacks to school so I’m kinda glad I didn’t take it but I still can’t help wondering. I am a sucker for the science so I will give the books a try!