Taking Charge of Adult ADHD [Paperback]

Russell A. Barkley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 22, 2010

For adults with ADHD, problems with attention, planning, problem solving, and controlling emotions can make daily life an uphill battle. Fortunately, effective help is out there. No one is a better guide to how to get the best care—and what sufferers can do for themselves—than renowned ADHD researcher/clinician Russell A. Barkley. Dr. Barkley provides step-by-step strategies for managing symptoms and reducing their harmful impact. Readers get hands-on self-assessment tools and skills-building exercises, plus clear answers to frequently asked questions about medications and other treatments. Specific techniques are presented for overcoming challenges in critical areas where people with the disorder often struggle—work, finances, relationships, and more. Finally, an authoritative one-stop resource for adults with ADHD who are ready to take back their lives.

(20100707)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This wonderful book presents information and sharp clinical insights accrued over decades of work by a preeminent leader in the field. Dr. Barkley clearly and thoughtfully discusses the causes of adult ADHD and how to get diagnosed and treated. A 'must read' for anyone interested in learning more about adult ADHD."--Lenard Adler, MD, author of Scattered Minds; Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine

 

"Dr. Barkley’s advice to individuals who have ADHD (or think they might) represents a remarkable blend of science and practicality. This book offers a lifeline to adults with ADHD and their families."--Michael Gordon, PhD, Director, ADHD Program, Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Upstate Medical University

 

"Consider this book the Rosetta Stone of adult ADHD. No one but Dr. Barkley could translate the sophisticated grasp of ADHD for which he is well known into lay terms and solid strategies. Comprehensive, immensely practical, highly readable, and wholly compassionate, Taking Charge of Adult ADHD is the definitive guide for adults with ADHD and the people who care about them."--Gina Pera, author of Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?

 

"This book will surely become a classic. If you are an adult with ADHD, Dr. Barkley can help you make sense of your lifelong struggles and develop a clear road map for overcoming them. Stories and examples from others facing the same challenges bring Dr. Barkley's ideas to life. I will certainly recommend this easy-to-read yet scientifically based book to everyone who comes through our adult ADHD clinic."--J. Russell Ramsay, PhD, Codirector, Adult ADHD Treatment and Research Program, University of Pennsylvania

 

“Barkley debunks common myths about medications and co-occurring disorders and offers straightforward advice on how to improve quality of life….Verdict: This is a comprehensive and scientifically based yet comprehensible manual for understanding and managing adult ADHD. With this information, adults with ADHD or those close to them can be informed consumers of available treatment options, behavioral strategies, and supplemental support resources.”--Library Journal

(Library Journal )

About the Author

Russell A. Barkley, PhD, is internationally known for his career-long research into ADHD and his efforts to educate professionals and the public. He is Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina. The recipient of awards from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association, among other honors, Dr. Barkley has published widely on ADHD and related disorders. His website is www.russellbarkley.org

 

Christine M. Benton is a Chicago-based writer and editor.

Product Details

• Paperback: 294 pages
• Publisher: The Guilford Press; 1st edition (July 22, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1606233386
• ISBN-13: 978-1606233382
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,974 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #11 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Disorders & Diseases > Attention Deficit Disorder

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dr. Barkley's Taking Charge of Adult ADHD the most insightful ADHD book I've read - ever., December 14, 2010

By 

Chick A-D-D - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taking Charge of Adult ADHD (Paperback)

As a researcher and expert on ADHD, and an ADHDer myself, I've read many books on the topic and written many book reviews. When I was asked to review Dr. Russell Barkley's latest book, Taking Charge of Adult ADHD, for Psych Central, I wasn't sure I'd learn anything new. I was delighted and astonished in every section of the book. Barkley's level of insight, wisdom, and sheer depth of understanding about the mind of an ADHDer is nothing short of brilliant.

The only downside I see is that the book is so packed with profound insights, practical advice, and useful information, that it could have been six books rather than one. For an ADHDer, this is difficult to digest. I'd suggest taking it slowly, ruminating over each section (or page), practicing and applying its insights in your own life and situation, and then moving on...slowly. While the book is dense, it's well worth the effort it might take to suck the juice out of its succulent pages. If necessary, enlist a friend to read it to you, discuss it with you, and otherwise help you glean all you can from its incredible wisdom. If you put the effort into it, you won't be sorry.

Zoë Kessler, B.A., B.Ed. (Adult Education), Author and Blogger, ADHD: from A to Zoë, [...]

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Book!, August 24, 2010

By 

Julie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Taking Charge of Adult ADHD (Paperback)

This book offers a lot of realistic help for the adult with ADHD. The book goes into detail of evaluation processes for adults as well as medication options. There are wonderful surveys that you can fill out to help you when you talk to your doctor. Very easy read and well written! Another great book from Dr. Barkley!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful resource!, January 5, 2011

By 

Kelly Wisley "Kdub" (Tulsa, OK) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Taking Charge of Adult ADHD (Paperback)

This is truly a great book! As someone who has been newly diagnosed with inattentive ADHD, this book did a wonderful job of educating me on ADHD and how it affects my daily life. What a relief to find out that my problems are not inherent character flaws, but symptoms of a neurological deficit. Now I can stop waiting around to grow out of certain behaviors (I'm 26 and in grad school) and realize that the is me for life. He offers advice on how to function with these brain deficits and how productivity tips geared toward normal adults wont work on ADHD people. He offers many solutions that are specific for ADHD.

There are multiple parts in the book:
Getting Evaluated for ADHD
Knowing your own ADHD and which symptoms are worse for you
Medication information
Everyday rules for success
Mastering ADHD in different areas of your life (education, work, money, etc...)

My only complaint is that the chapter on executive functions seemed a little too long for me...and I'm sure is the case for most people with ADHD. I would've preferred it broken down into multiple, smaller chapters. But this doesn't take away from the amazingness of the book!