7 ADHD Books For Deeper Insights
If you, your child, or another loved one has been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you may be looking to learn as much about the disorder as you can. You might already know that ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that typically arises in childhood and is characterized by trouble focusing, hyperactivity, and impulsivity—and that it can lead to emotional challenges, disruptions to everyday function, and difficulty learning. If you’d like to delve deeper into ADHD, though, you may be looking for books that can provide you with a more in-depth understanding of the condition and how it can affect different aspects of life. To help you find the right resources for you or your loved ones, below, we’ve listed seven books that touch on a variety of topics related to the symptoms, effects, and treatment of ADHD.
Seven informational books on ADHD
The number of ADHD diagnoses has risen steadily over the past 25 years, leading to a concurrent increase in demand for information on the condition. There are a plethora of books about ADHD on the market now, with titles written by medical professionals, psychologists, and behavioral experts. Many authors make a point of not being too scholarly so that a layperson can understand their more complex points. And their books touch on a variety of ADHD-related subjects: parenting a child with ADHD, living as an adult with ADHD, or being in a relationship with someone who has ADHD.
The ADHD books you choose to read may depend on your goals for learning about the disorder, which subtype you’d like to know more about, and the areas of your life that have been affected by ADHD. Whether you’re looking for books related to ADHD and relationships, parenting, learning, or everyday functioning as an adult, the following seven books can help you better understand and navigate the condition.
Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, MD and John J. Ratey, MD
The book’s subtitle, Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder from Childhood Through Adulthood, hints at its broad scope. It covers a range of ADHD-related topics, including the main presentations, symptoms, coping strategies, methods of treatment, and patient stories.
The authors—psychiatrists whose respective clinical practices focused on clients with ADHD—draw on their extensive experience to provide numerous examples of how ADHD can manifest. Revised recently to reflect current research and practices, Driven to Distraction provides advice to not only individuals living with ADHD but also those who have loved ones with the disorder. This book can be a helpful resource for anyone who is looking for a comprehensive overview of ADHD.
The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD by Lidia Zylowska, MD
Mindfulness is a research-backed strategy for addressing the cognitive and emotional challenges that can accompany ADHD. Focused on cultivating a sense of presence, focus, and relaxation, mindfulness practice can help with inattention, emotional dysregulation, and the physical effects of ADHD.
Dr. Zylowska draws on existing studies and her own research as she lays out an easy-to-use modality for reducing ADHD symptoms. The book focuses on several mindfulness techniques and how they can address specific challenges related to ADHD. In addition to detailing the science based insights behind the utility of mindfulness for ADHD, Zylowska discusses how this strategy can fit into an overall treatment plan. This book can be useful for adults who want to incorporate an easy-to-implement and versatile strategy for managing ADHD into their everyday lives.
The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD by John F. Taylor, PhD
Given that an estimated 6 million children and adolescents live with ADHD, resources directed at helping kids navigate the disorder can be invaluable. John F. Taylor is a psychologist whose work treating children with ADHD informs the advice included in this book. The Survival Guide for Kids with ADHD is written in such a way that most children will be able to understand each idea that is introduced.
This book provides practical, easily implemented advice on living with ADHD as a child. It is also interactive, with quizzes and other downloadable practical tools that can help reinforce important concepts. If you’re a parent, you can talk about whether your child experiences what the kids discussed in the book. You can also learn more about ADHD so you have a better idea of the challenges your child faces and how you can set them up for success.
The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov
ADHD can have a significant effect on romantic relationships, particularly when one partner lives with ADHD and the other does not. Because ADHD can cause emotional dysregulation, trouble with organization, and difficulty communicating, it can be a significant contributor to tension and conflict in a marriage. The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps covers how these challenges can be addressed.
Through in-depth research, as well as stories and examples from her own life, author Melissa Orlov outlines the ways ADHD can affect a marriage, and in particular, the partner of someone with the disorder. If you’re married to someone with ADHD, this book can help you better understand your spouse’s behaviors and learn to work with them in the most effective manner.
Women with Attention Deficit Disorder by Sari Solden, MS, LMFT
Studies show that boys are diagnosed with ADHD at a higher rate than girls—a discrepancy that is thought to be partly due to differences in the way symptoms are expressed. But many people, including the author of this book, believe that just as many girls live with the disorder as boys. Women with Attention Deficit Disorder: Embrace Your Differences and Transform Your Life discusses how young girls and women often go undiagnosed because they do not display traits like hyperactivity in the same way that boys do. This can make the disorder even more challenging, often leading to anxiety, depression, or related concerns.
Author Sari Solden, a therapist who lives with ADHD, talks in the book about her own life and what it has taken for her to reach the professional heights that she has. Solden’s conclusions about the prevalence of ADHD among women and the resulting effects are drawn from her own research and information from a range of other sources. Her book explains how ADHD can affect women differently while providing advice for managing the disorder and living a productive, healthy life.
What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew by Sharon Saline, PsyD
What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew was written with parents in mind. It can be hard to help children navigate the challenges of ADHD, especially because some children with the disorder struggle to convey their feelings or describe the challenges they face. This book attempts to help parents better understand what their children are experiencing by providing perspectives of young people who live with the disorder and outlining solutions that can be implemented in collaborative ways with kids.
Author Sharon Saline helps parents understand the reasoning behind a child with ADHD’s behaviors and feelings. Knowing how kids with ADHD respond to certain situations, approach tasks, and perceive the world can help parents work with their children in a more productive and empathetic manner.
ADD-friendly Ways to Organize Your Life by Judith Kolberg and Kathleen G. Nadeau, PhD
A common symptom of ADHD is executive dysfunction, which can make it hard for individuals to prioritize tasks, start and complete projects, maintain focus, and manage their time effectively. ADD-Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life addresses these common challenges, offering a wealth of strategies for working with ADHD to organize one’s life.
Books on organizing that are geared toward a more general audience may be less helpful for people with ADHD, who often have trouble with working memory, struggle to prioritize tasks, and experience time blindness. Authors Judith Kolberg, an organizing expert, and Kathleen Nadeau, a clinical psychologist and ADHD expert, provide tips that are specifically meant to help people with ADHD structure their lives.
Other books to learn about the ADHD brain
Here are a few other books to add to your reading list if you’re interested in learning more about living with ADHD and want to boost self improvement:
You Mean I'm Not Lazy Stupid or Crazy?! The Classic Self Help Book for Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder by Kate Kelly and Peggy Ramundo
A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD: Embrace Neurodiversity, Live Boldly, and Break Through Barriers by Sari Solden MS and Michelle Frank PsyD
The Mindfulness Workbook for ADHD: Effective Strategies to Increase Focus, Build Patience, and Find Balance by Beata Lewis MD and Nicole Foubister MD (in workbook format)
Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences by Thomas Armstrong
How the ADHD Brain Works from the editors of ADDitude
The Queen of Distraction: How Women with ADHD Can Conquer Chaos, Find Focus, and Get More Done by Terry Matlin
The books about ADHD for adults price (and teens price, women price, etc.) is generally pretty reasonable, but you can always get in touch with your local library and ask them to get a copy for you to borrow.
Understanding adult ADHD symptoms with online therapy
A growing body of scientific evidence points to online therapy as an effective method of addressing symptoms of ADHD. For example, in one trial, researchers found that online therapy—which included an educational component—led to significant reductions in inattentiveness. In addition, participants reported decreases in stress levels and increases in quality of life. Talking to a mental health professional is also a good way to verify any health claims in the books that you are reading.
If you’re living with ADHD, online therapy can provide you with personalized support and valuable tools that can help you address your symptoms and learn more about the disorder. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a mental health professional based on your needs and preferences, so you’ll have a good chance of connecting with someone who can address your specific concerns regarding ADHD, whether you want to focus on communication skills or how ADHD is affecting your relationship with a family member. Your therapist can also help you get useful resources, such as informational articles geared toward helping you manage various symptoms of ADHD with mindful awareness.
Takeaway
ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that can impact one’s ability to function and produce difficult-to-process emotions. Education is often a primary component of managing ADHD for both those who live with the disorder and their loved ones. The above books can help you explore the condition’s symptoms, effects, and methods of treatment—within a variety of contexts. If you’d like to get more resources and support, consider taking advantage of an online therapy platform. Working with a professional can help you learn more about ADHD and live the productive, healthy life you deserve.
Some people who live with ADHD experience difficulty with attention, which can make reading challenging. However, there are ways to address difficulty with focus, including through bionic reading, which makes some letters bold and helps some people read more efficiently. This feature is available through certain apps, so it may be helpful for reading online.
Does reading help ADHD?
Reading about ADHD may help you become more informed and empowered to implement practical tips that others have used to manage their symptoms. You may find that some self-help novels are written by people who live with ADHD and understand the unique challenges it can present.
How can you support someone with an ADHD book?
The following are some novels that offer information and practical advice on ADHD:
- Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder
- Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD: Tips and Tools to Help You Take Charge of Your Life and Get Organized
- The Mindfulness Prescription for Adult ADHD: An 8-Step Program for Strengthening Attention, Managing Emotions, and Achieving Your Goals
- The Disorganized Mind: Coaching Your ADHD Brain to Take Control of Your Time, Tasks, and Talents
- The Smart but Scattered Guide to Success: How to Use Your Brain's Executive Skills to Keep Up, Stay Calm, and Get Organized at Work and at Home
- Women with Attention Deficit Disorder
The latter may be helpful for girls and women who experience ADHD. While researchers believe ADHD is more prevalent in boys than in girls, just as many women and girls with ADHD face symptoms that affect their daily life.
Can you learn to Cope with ADHD without medication?
ADHD can often be treated via self-care and therapy. There are a number of practical strategies people use to manage common ADHD symptoms. Every person’s ADHD journey can be unique, and there may be strategies that work especially well for you, depending on the type of ADHD you experience.
What is the best way to deal with ADHD in adults?
Adults may receive a combination of medication and therapy for ADHD, which was previously referred to as “adult ADD.” Some adults with ADHD may take stimulants or non-stimulants for ADHD. You may want to speak with a doctor about the safety of such medications, even if you are confident that product manufacturers addressed safety concerns. Some medications may interact with others, so it’s recommended that you speak with a physician about any medications you’re taking.
How do you help an adult with ADHD get organized?
You might help an adult with an ADHD diagnosis get organized by creating reminders, such as visual reminders of tasks to be completed. You can also help the person set a timer on their phone to help them stay on schedule.
How do you interact with an adult with ADHD?
Relationships with an adult with ADHD can present some challenges with communication at times. When you experience misunderstandings, you might communicate by using “I-statements.” These statements may be effective for telling the person how you feel, rather than blaming them for certain behaviors. Also, it may help to ask about their perspective on anything you say. This type of communication may lead to fewer misunderstandings.
How can I improve my social skills with ADHD?
To improve your social skills, it may help to speak with a counselor who has experience helping people who live with ADHD. They may provide some evidence-based strategies for honing your social skills. These may include strategies for impulse control and tips to improve active listening, which may lead to more fulfilling social interactions.
How does ADHD affect social skills in adults?
ADHD may affect social skills in several ways. Some adults diagnosed with ADHD may not have learned valuable social skills as children. This can lead to social rejection, which can lead them to miss out on further opportunities to learn and practice social skills. Some individuals may experience difficulty with impulsive speech, which can affect interactions with others. Also, some people with ADHD may seem distracted or inattentive. People who don’t know about ADHD may misinterpret certain behaviors as signs of rudeness.
How do you deal with ADHD in social situations?
ADHD can present challenges in social situations for some people. These individuals may benefit from seeing a counselor who has knowledge of how to help people who experience impulsiveness in social contexts. This process may help them learn strategies for improving focus and attentiveness in social situations. These strategies may encourage them to visualize themselves in social situations, observe social cues, and use a timer on their phone to remember to control impulsivity.
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