Product Description

Every year, millions of withdrawn little girls and chronically overwhelmed women go undiagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder because they don't fit the stereotypical profile: they're not fast-talking, hyperactive, or inattentive, and they are not male. Sari Solden's groundbreaking study reveals that ADD affects just as many women as men, and that the resulting depression, disorganization, anxiety, and underachievement are also symptoms of ADD. Newly revised and updated to reflect the latest clinical research, the book explores treatment and counselling options, and uses real-life case histories to examine the special challenges women with ADD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) face, such as the shame of not fulfilling societal expectations. Included is a brand new chapter on friendship for women with ADHD. Three empowering steps - restructuring one's life, renegotiating relationships, and redefining self-image - help women take control of their lives and enjoy success on their own terms.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #190772 in Books
• Published on: 2005-11-29
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Customer Reviews

Eureka!
I am a woman of 47 years. I have been investigated over 20+ years for chronic fatigue and tendency to depression among other symptoms. But I believe that this is me - a woman holding it together with huge compensations - a woman struggling to live with ADD with Hypoactivity. Now that this book has helped me to understand myself and others I am off to read as much as I can and have the self belief to take it up with my physician again. This book is a must for anyone who suspects they may have ADD/ADHD or who know someone else who has.

"Women with ADD" : separating "women" and "disorder".
As a clinical social worker who also happens to be a woman with ADD, this book was not only a practical help to me, but a personal support as well. Of particular poignancy and importance is Ms. Solden's advice that we "embrace our disorganization" rather than feel repelled and ashamed of it. She talks glowingly of attending a conference where the attendees were primarily adult ADD folks, and the comraderie and closeness she felt with all these people who were trying to find lost keys, fumbling for pencils, or interrupting one another, but doing so in an atmostphere of acceptance. The most significant focus within Ms.Solden's book is that the hiding (of ADD symptoms and habits) needn't continue. You can come out of your ADD closet and find a place for yourself amongst the "normal" folks in the world. Accurate diagnosis is essential, and then appropriate treatment, whether it be via medication, supportive psychotherapy or "coaching", whereby a family member, friend or therapist helps you stay on track. Looking at ADD with compassion and humor is something many women who are "in hiding" with the disorder may find difficult to do. But, when the hiding is over, so is the shame. This book offers hope to those who may not have believed it to be possible, yet it also avoids being saccharine or preachy. A very balanced view of a disorder that, for many of us, causes us to feel un-balanced.

This book was talking about me!!!
Yes, there are people with ADD who aren't hyperactive! This book was highly enlightening to me for two reasons. First of all, it talked about the 'hypoactive' kind of ADD- the kind without the H(yperactivity). Secondly, it dealt specifically with adults and the struggles adults face dealing with ADD. And third, the fact that it was specific to women was also very helpful. Like I said earlier, I felt like the book was talking about me, as if it had me as a source or something (well, except for the parts specific to married people with children). If you are a woman and think you might have ADD, read this book. If you know a woman with ADD (or ADHD), read this book. If you know me, read this book! I'm not alone in this after all! Wow!