Procrastination. Disorganization. Distractibility. Millions of adults have long considered these the hallmarks of a lack of self-discipline. But for many, these and other problems in school, at work and in social relationships are actually symptoms of an inborn neurological problem: ADD, or Attention Deficit Disorder. Through vivid stories of their patients’ experiences, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey now offer a comprehensive overview of one of the most controversial ps… More >>
When my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD last year, I bought this book. After thoroughly researching the subject of ADHD, I tire of the thesis that our children have minimal brain dysfunction. My child is fine now since she has been on good old cod liver oil every day. Remember the adage Fish is good for the brain. Well its great for the brain and ritalin isnt and never should be even recommended.
Rating: 1 / 5
Obviously not good enough to catch an ADD reader’s attention! Maybe if it was a picture book. . .
Rating: 2 / 5
If you’ve already been down the typical path with your child, namely: (1) Child has a problem in school, (2) Child fidgets in front of school “psychologist,” (3) Referred to local pediatric physician, (4) received script for psychostimulants, and (5) started giving child the drugs, you’ll like this book. It will make you feel good about yourself, your parenting style, and your decision.
At least give yourself the chance to see the other side of the story. You only have one child – read the book “Unraveling the ADD/ADHD Fiasco” by David B. Stein, Ph.D. If you are still convinced that the drug route is the way to go, follow the “1-2-3 Magic” types of parenting techniques (or have a “family meeting” and solicit input from your little child who has no tools to solve this problem), and when that doesn’t work, administer the drugs.
OK – I’ve probably made some folks angry, and I’ll concede that there are a relatively small percentage of children and adults that suffer from disorders (with symptoms like those attributed to ADD/ADHD) that are improved through these drugs, including Ritalin. But, keep in mind that in some schools 50% of the male childern are “ADHD” diagnosed and on Ritalin or similar drugs. No one in their right mind could possibly believe that 50% of children have something called ADD/ADHD that requires treatment with Schedule 2 drugs.
I’m not writing for those few percent that maybe have a real disease that is helped by drugs. I’m writing for the 95% of children who are on Ritalin and don’t need to be. This book will lead you in a direction that your child doesn’t necessarily need to go.
By the way, the book never mentions that Ritalin and similar medicines are “Schedule II” drugs, or what these are. As a parent, I hope you’ll ask your doctor – or better still – do your own research on what Ritalin does in the body and its addictive and abuse potential.
Rebut this information if you wish, but I didn’t see anything in this book expressing outrage over 33 – 50% of little children being forced to take addictive drugs because some counseler, teacher, parent and doctor didn’t want to do some hard work and rule out that the child’s behavior can possibly be remedied by something other than drugs.
Rating: 1 / 5
The description stated that the book was in “Excellent Condition”, but when the book arrived, the edges of the book were yellowed and something had spilled on the front of the book that I had to scrap off. I was very disappointed in my purchase!
Rating: 2 / 5
I found helpful information for my daughter who exhibited ADD from environmental aggravants. This book and The A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. Diet book, helped me get to the root of the problem and eliminate the causes of her ADD.
Rating: 4 / 5