Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies For Adult Attention Deficit Disorder (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is the diagnosis given heretofore to the "overactive" child who acted out in school, got poor grades, and couldn't sit still. Three decades ago, such children were often held back in school and thought to be lacking in self-control. Two decades ago, it was found that the stimulant Ritalin inexplicably calmed hyperactive children. It was believed that they eventually "grew out of it," usually by puberty. However, new research suggests that they do not grow out of ADD but instead learn to adapt and struggle with the disorder well into adulthood. Two new books address this premise. Wender (The Hyperactive Child, Adolescent, and Adult, Oxford Univ. Pr., 1987), professor of psychiatry and Director of Psychiatric Research at the University of Utah School of Medicine, has written Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder for professionals, but informed lay readers will appreciate the case histories. In thorough, if quite technical manner, Wender synthesizes the overlapping research and possible relationships between ADHD and learning disorders, as well as alcohol abuse as those afflicted try to self-medicate. Out of the Fog, written by the chief of the Adult ADHD Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, is written for a popular audience and could serve to "self-diagnose" readers by using "Self-Exploration Exercises." Murphy also gives lists for simplifying and improving life for the adult with ADD, using concrete examples of time management and organizational skills. Written from a personal perspective (Murphy also has ADHD), it provides much insight into the world of the hyperactive adult. Both books are highly recommended.?Nina Wikstrom Aguilar, Melbourne, Fla.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Murphy, chief of the adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center, aided by medical writer LeVert, discusses the recent recognition of attention deficit disorder as a problem that is not outgrown in adolescence, and they cogently summarize the stumbling blocks this affliction creates in the pursuit of a career or attainment of a healthy family life. Other books, such as Hallowell and Ratey's Driven to Distraction (1994) and Kelly and Ramundo's You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy? (1993), have done excellent jobs in alerting readers to ADHD as an issue in adult lives. But Murphy and LeVert's coverage of psychological and medicinal treatment is invaluable. An essential library item. Denise Perry Donavin

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion; 1 edition (May 4, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786880872
• ISBN-13: 978-0786880874
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #143,907 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #45 in	Books > Health, Mind & Body > Disorders & Diseases > Attention Deficit Disorder
  #58 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Special Needs > Hyperactivity
  #85 in	Books > Parenting & Families > Special Needs > Disabilities

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

152 of 153 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Single best book on Adult ADD, July 28, 2000

By A Customer

When I suspected I might have ADD, I started reading about it. After I was diagnosed, I read more, and at this point I've either read or skimmed in bookstores most of the more common titles. For me, this is the best single book out there. It is comprehensive, without being ponderous, and the discussion of treatment for ADD, including the pharmacological aspects, is without peer in popular literature. I agree with the reviewer who commented that the layout of the book leaves something to be desired, but don't let that put you off. This book is essential reading for adults who have ADD, or who think they might, or who have friends or family members with ADD.

101 of 101 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Covers all of the bases, August 22, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this book because I had heard a little about ADD and thought I may fit the description. This book confirmed my suspicion, and I was later diagnosed by my doctor. The reason this book stands out from the others is because it is so complete, yet easy to read. It takes you through symptoms of ADD, choosing a doctor, accepting a diagnosis, medications, counseling, and teaches various life management skills. It armed me with plenty of information (which I found helpful when communicating with friends and family about my ADD) and gave me a real sense of hope for the future. Highly recommended!

100 of 101 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helps clear away the fog surrounding ADD!, October 5, 2001

By	L. Feld "lowkell" (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Although I personally don't have ADD, I know many people who do (or who I suspect do!), which is why I decided to read this book. Having said that, I found "Out of the Fog" to be very helpful in understanding what is surely one of the most misunderstood, disrespected, scoffed-at, psychological disorders in the world today. Is ADD overdiagnosed? It's possible. Is Ritalin overprescribed? Again, it's possible. Does any of this mean that ADD is any less real or painful for people who suffer from it. Uh...that is DEFINITELY NOT possible. Unfortunately, what all the misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding ADD appears to do is, if anything, just make people who truly DO suffer from it just feel WORSE about themselves (i.e., "I must just be lazy, stupid, crazy" etc.). Then, on top of ADD, the next thing you know the person feels depressed and anxious on top of everything else. Great... Given all this, Kevin R. Murphy has done a service to everyone - ADD and non-ADD alike - by demystifying this neurobiological condition and making it clear that: a) ADD is a REAL thing, not some invention or conspiracy by drug manufacturers and middle school principals; b) ADD has REAL consequences - psychic, economic, social - that shouldn't be brushed off; and c) ADD is not just for kids anymore - it doesn't just disappear when you reach age 18 or 21 or whatever!

"Out of the Fog" is written by someone who clearly is qualified and who knows what he's talking about. This is clearly important, since there is so much disinformation and media hype out there about ADD. The book is well organized (no disorganization -- ADD induced or otherwise -- here!), well written, engaging, and useful, in terms of "demystifying" and diagnosing ADD, treating it (medication combined with counseling and lifestyle changes seems to be the best bet), and lastly "outmaneuvering" it (very important there currently is no "cure" for ADD, only treatments). All in all, I strongly recommend this book to anyone trying to understand or deal with ADD (or someone they know who has ADD).