Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorder

I am in my early (okay...mid)40's and was diagnosed about 3 years ago. This was one of the first books I read when I was initially diagnosed (and not yet accepting that I had "it"). This is a well-written comprehensive overview of adult adhd and really helped me to see that my issues were common to other adhd-ers and gain an understanding of the disorder and its symptoms. I was able to accept my diagnosis after reading Out of the Fog. This is not really a book full of practical advice--for that I recommend both the new book by Nadeau and Kolberg--adhd-friendly strategies to organize your life--and the book by michelle novatny--I cannot recall title but it deals with interpersonal communications and adhd adults and is very helpful. While I often refer back to Out of the Fog (when I can find under my piles of papers, clothes and chocolate bars) I do think that Sari Solden's book on Women with ADD--is the best book for women--which is why Out of the fog is numero 2 for us girls on my hit parade.

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).

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.

If you are an adult with ADD, or the parent of a teen with ADD, you need this book. This is where you find that you're not the only one wandering 'in a fog', and ways to get the fog out of your life and enjoy the sun! Few books address the adult ADDer--this does, in a supportive fashion, and gives concrete suggestions on what works, what doesn't, and possible places to get more help. Hand it to the significant other in your life, to explain why they think 'chaos' is your middle name, and how to help you change that!

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!