There are many books out there on the topic of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), so it can be tough to know which one is right for you. In this Scattered Minds book review, we'll take a close look at what makes this book different from the rest and whether it's truly the best ADD book ever written.
ADD is a complex condition that can present itself in a variety of ways, so it's important to find a book that will speak to your specific experience. Scattered Minds, written by Dr. Gabor Mate, does an incredible job of providing readers with an in-depth understanding of ADD while also offering practical tools for managing symptoms. Let's take a closer look at what makes this book so special, but before we do it's important to note that since Scattered Minds was first released in 1999, the condition has been renamed from ADD to ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder). For sake of continuity, this blog will refer to it by the name used in the book (ADD), though the two terms are entirely interchangeable.
An Multilayered Understanding of ADD
One of the things that sets Scattered Minds apart from other books about ADD is its emphasis on understanding the condition from both a medical and personal perspective. Dr. Mate weaves together his experience as a physician with his own experiences as a man, husband, and father dealing with ADD to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of the condition. He discusses both the positive and negative aspects of having ADD and offers insight into how symptoms can impact every area of life. This holistic approach is rare in books about ADD and provides readers with a greater sense of empathy and understanding.
Core Ideas
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ADD is not a medical condition, it is the result of poor attachment relationships in early life that create an environment from which ADD can flourish. As Gabor write: “Instead of asking why a disorder or illness develops, we ask why a fully self-motivated and self-regulated human personality does not.”
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The “tuning out” that is the hallmark of ADD often developed as a coping mechanism to the unnatural situation of childhood trauma, abuse, and/or neglect.
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The path to healing includes compassionate self-parenting as well as the development of proper habits in the spheres of physical space, sleep, nutrition, exercise, nature, recreation, creative expression, and mindfulness and meditation.
@my_so_called_mind Replying to @⭒ELIJAH⭒ The Problem Is Separation Anxiety… #scatteredminds #adhd #nightowl ♬ Ylang Ylang - FKJ & ((( O )))
Practical Tools for Managing Symptoms
In addition to offering an in-depth understanding of ADD, Scattered Minds also provides readers with practical tools for managing symptoms. Dr. Mate covers everything from diet and exercise to sleep hygiene and time management in an effort to help readers find what works best for them. He also includes tips for dealing with common ADD challenges like procrastination, disorganization, and impulsivity. One of the things that makes this book so special is that it doesn't try to cookie-cutter solutions; instead, it provides readers with the tools they need to create their own unique plan for managing their symptoms.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a book about ADD/ADHD that will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the condition while also offering practical tools for managing symptoms, then Scattered Minds is definitely worth checking out. It's rare to find a book that does such an excellent job of covering all aspects of ADD, which is why I believe it is one of, if not the, best ones out there.
Have you read Scattered Minds? What did you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!