From the Publisher
The ADD Kaleidoscope: The Many Facets of Adult Attention Deficit Disorder, by Joan Andrews and Denise Davis, is a wonderfully rich presentation of what it is like to be an adult with Attention Deficit Disorder. The years of experience the authors have had with this disorder shows on every page. The modern tools of medical science, from brain scans to molecular biology, are beginning to provide us with greater insights into the cause of ADD. It is clear that it is a genetic disorder, that the symptoms often persist into adulthood, and that the genes involved affect many different brain chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. These defects especially impact the function of the frontal lobes of the brain. Since the frontal lobes are involved in attention span, motivation, organization, planning, memory, learning, motor activity, and the self-correction of one's mistakes, individuals with ADD can have problems in all of these areas. Andrews and Davis describe many new areas not usually covered by other books, including the effect of ADD on problems with temper control, addictive behaviors, domestic violence and criminal behaviors. While this collection of problems can have a devastating impact on many areas of one's life, the authors also emphasize that ADD can have a positive influence on drive, energy level and creativity. ADD is a complex, genetic behavioral disorder. Because it affects behavior instead of something physically obvious, like height or eye color, it is often misdiagnosed and often ridiculed and claimed to be a non-existent entity. This is particularly tragic, because the treatment of this disorder can dramatically improve people's lives. That treatment can involve medication, or it can involve the hundreds of non-medical approaches and suggestions the authors so well describe. A combination of both can be particularly effective. Anyone with ADD, a relative with ADD, or simply with an interest in human behavior, will benefit from reading these pages.
From the Author
A.D.D. Kaleidoscope is a comprehensive, easy to read, quick reference and ADD in adults. It is written by Andrews and Davis, both practicing therapists who specialize in the ADD field. It covers a wide range of topics such as medications used to treat ADHD, what to look for in a diagnosis, how to approach colleagues for help, when the Americans with Disabilities Act can be helpful, and many others.