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

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.