More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD

by Ari Tuckman

This is the only book on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) written in a structure that caters to the tendency for adults with ADHD to jump around. This essential guidebook begins by describing how the ADHD brain processes information and how that leads to typical challenges that people with ADHD experience, as well as why certain strategies are effective and others aren't. This lays the foundation for everything that follows, from getting diagnosed to an overview of the research of how ADHD affects people's lives. A thorough explanation of standard treatment options-including medication, therapy, and coaching-as well as alternative treatments, helps guide adults with ADHD to get the most from their healthcare providers. From there, the book provides an extensive collection of practical strategies to overcome common struggles in the areas of self-esteem, work, relationships, friendships, parenting, and everyday life. It covers everything from time management to getting organized. Brief, ADHD-friendly articles can stand alone or be read in sequence, making it the perfect book for the busy adult with ADHD who wants rock-solid information that is easily digestible.

Genres: Adhd, Self Help, Nonfiction, Psychology, Mental Health, Health

380 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2009

Reviews

[Jake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prior to reading this, I had put in little to no thought into the nature of ADHD. I had- I guess - somewhat of a folk view point on the expression of the behaviors that characterize this disorder. I had presumed ADHD to be a disorder characterized by an inability to sit still - when others can, and a general state of distractedness. Of course though, I realize now how primitive this view point was.

This is a self help book for adults who have been diagnosed with ADHD. And while it may be a bit dated, as the author - a psychotherapist specializing in ADHD- once advised the reader to buy TiVo. Remember when that was big? Before the days of online streaming. Ah. Memories.
I digress...

ADHD here is seen as a information processing issue. Yet one somehow distinct from simply intelligence. If I can compare it to anything I have read about it strikes most similarities with the neurological patients sickened with damage to the pro frontal cortex. There seems to be a generalized issue with controlling one’s self. A person with ADHD- in the author’s characterization- is trapped in a state of knowing what to do with a crippling inability to make the next step. He at one point quoted another psychotherapist in his field saying

‘“ADHD is not a disorder of knowing what to do; it’s a
disorder of doing what you know’’

In short, it is an impairment of moment to moment functioning. It is only the person with adhd which does all their work and then does not turn it in. Why? Unclear.

Overall it sounds like an awful disorder to experience, and the author extends a deep sympathy for those of who are damaged by living with it. He presents the reader some very practical advice on how he deals with the issues in his practice, from drugs (mainly stimulants such as Ritalin, vyvanse and Adderall) and the deployment of calendars , lists, sticky notes and basically constant reminders.


Some questions I am left standing with:

are the amount of people diagnosed with ADHD propitiation to those afflicted with it?

What is the greatest most concise description of this disorder ?

Why is it so prevalent in human population?

Has it increased over time?

What is the neurological mechanism by which it manifests ? What are its variations?

Overall, I recommend this for the following:

- people who can’t get their work done and are left scratching their heads
- clinicians in psychotherapy

[Devon Flaherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Attention, Less Deficit: Success Strategies for Adults with ADHD, Ari Tuckman, Specialty Press, Inc. 2009.

I first want to say that this cover cracks me up. Here’s this book about “more attention,” and you have a photo of a boss-type showing something to a young business man and a young business woman who appears to have ADHD. How do you know she is the ADHD one? Sure, she’s smiling at us conspiratorially so we get that she is happy and overcoming, but…. she’s also not paying a lick of attention to her boss or coworker. Oi.

This book is not perfect, but it certainly led to many aha moments for me, as someone who has struggled with ADHD my whole life. For example: I drop pieces of working memory, which is why I have always felt I am walking around with a lot of missing puzzle pieces; ADHD is probably the reason I don’t do my hair or wear makeup; it’s clearly why I had academic struggles, but I was shocked by the rate of students with ADHD who do not graduate; I was not at all shocked to discover that studies show hormones play a part in worsening ADHD; and now I can blame something for my hypersensitivity to failure. I would recommend this book for people with ADHD, parents of kids with ADHD, and loved ones of ADHDers, with these caveats: I believe that he underplays the role of general health in managing ADHD and shrugs off important alternative arguments and difficult studies. He is going to tell you right from the start that you need to high thee to the doctor and definitely consider medication (which he argues out for you). He spends chapter on chapter on chapter sympathizing with you and pointing out that this is a brain issue, but then he gives you hundreds of pages of suggestions for what you can do differently… if you could only remember! (See list way down below.) He skates a fine line between helping you and just plain being ironic. It was definitely not a waste of my time, and I spent four weeks processing what he had to say. I also plan to implement a lot of it, and highly value feeling understood.

*REVIEW WRITTEN FOR THE STARVING ARTIST BLOG.

[Ella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good "starter" book for adults recently diagnosed with ADHD. Adulthood is a hard time to find out that things could have been far different if only you'd known...Nonetheless, this is a helpful book for clients to use the parts needed quickly and let others wait until I need them. Best thing is guidance on apps to help time issues and get tasks under control. I grabbed several books at once, and this is the best quick start guide I found for getting info quickly and reasonably in digestible and "doable" chunks.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Very well organized and thorough without being so information-heavy that it becomes boring. I didn't actually read the whole thing, but that's ok, because the book said you don't have to. This is part of the reason why I liked it so much; it was organized into short sections, so you can jump around to what you're looking for easily. It also has one of the best general descriptions of ADHD I've found in a book or article.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was recently diagnosed with inattentive type ADHD. The diagnosis has opened a world of possibilities for me. I REALLY appreciate the format of the book and the chapters dedicated to family and spouses living with someone who has ADHD. So far, I am having an epiphany every other chapter. If I had been diagnosed and treated early in my life, a lot of heartache could have been avoided.

[Suzann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read a lot of Adult ADD books. This was the one that convinced me to run my ADD, rather than let my ADD run me.

[Lauren Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure how to use this book

I’m puzzled by my reaction to this book. Ari Tuckman is a renowned, compassionate ADHD clinician. I intend to take some of his on-line courses, offered through my professional societies. All of his advice in this book is excellent, built upon many years of experience. It’s also written in an extremely ADHD-appropriate structure – short articles, lots of formatting to highlight key points. And I’m just not sure I see how my clients with ADHD are going to translate it to action. Not because they shouldn’t. Not because they can’t: they are entirely capable. But because they won’t?

As I read this book, I found myself saying repeatedly that this is a teamwork book. That this might be the perfect book for both a person with ADHD and a partner to read, so the partner could informally coach the ADHD-abled person as s/he tries the focus and organizing techniques in this book. Without someone holding the ADHD-able person accountable, I’m just not sure what’s going to happen.

My suggestion for the person with ADHD – read this book exactly as intended: skipping around; reading what applies to you the most urgently first, then moving to next-most-urgent, etc.; read it out loud, in a very quiet place, in the noisiest coffee shop you can find; mark it with a highlighter, stickies, whatever you need. Apply it as diligently as you can. And ask someone who cares about you to read it as well. Don’t be afraid: things can get better.

My suggestion for the person who cares about a person with ADHD. Read it cover-to-cover. Use it as a solid foundation to ask questions, for your doctors, therapists, the person you care about. Use it as a starting point to support that colleague, friend, family member. Don’t be afraid: things can get better.

Lauren Williams, Owner, Casual Uncluttering LLC, Woodinville, WA USA

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was written for someone who has ADD. I loved how the corners of the pages were perforated to mark as read, each article stood alone and was no longer than 2 pages, and the material did repeat some but that is good for someone with ADHD. I ended up purchasing this on the Kindle and we will see it that is a good medium to consume this "ADHD bible" as others have coined it.

[821122 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spot on. Helps me understand all my ADD/ADHD friends and co-workers (including boss)! Podcasts by Ari Tuckman are also awesome.

[Amalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author makes the reader aware of this book being a bit repetetive in the beginning, in order to accomodate for those who may flip through and only read a section here and there. For me, I would have liked two versions, one for those who want to read the whole thing, and another for those who want to flip through. On the other side, the repetition makes it more likely to actually remember the key points. The book is clearly written to an American audience, some parts being irrelevant to people from other countries. Regardless, overall I’d say this is an informative and useful read for anyone who cares about someone with ADHD, or have ADHD themselves. The author presents a wide array of useful strategies, or starting points on how to make the best of life, despite having the disadvantage of ADHD or having to make life work with someone who struggles with ADHD. This book may serve as a prehab as well as a rehab.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

There was a sense of balance and reasonableness that I appreciated in approaching many topics. There seemed to be a few practical takeaways in each chapter. Especially big potential cost savings from possibly not using "assessment instruments" for diagnosis in chapter 2 and "unhelpful coping strategies" in chapter 4. Honestly though, I read most of the first five chapters, scattered sections, and the end. Often, I finish most of a book. I subtracted a star because little of the writing seemed to have deeper insight and felt like a casual conversation providing basic tips. Second star for feeling dated by now.

[Juliette Hauville · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative book to understand your ADHD better. It is a bit outdated, as it's from 2009, and in particular the parts about technology feel like they were written in pre-history (remember TiVo?)

That being said, I am taking away a lot of good practice from it, and ideas on how to manage my ADHD.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a bit outdated, yet still useful in its balanced perspectives and relevant skills.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, practical info and so easy to read/follow!

[I. Crocker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very helpful for those of us who care for a person with ADHD. No bunk. No fake cures. Just helpful advice.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this authors podcasts, He really "gets" what it's like to live with ADD/ADHD. Both having it and living/working with people who have it. The title says it all. More attention and less deficit.

[Jennavier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the ADHD books I've read so far this was by far my favorite. Clear, comprehensive, and very ADHD friendly.