[.ca] Healing Add (ISBN 039914644X)

From Amazon.com:
Hard, visual data make a compelling case for the existence of attention deficit disorder (ADD) in this pioneering work by Daniel G. Amen, M.D. Using a nuclear medicine technique called "single photon emission computed tomography" (SPECT)--a controversial step, according to some of his peers--Dr. Amen scans patients' brains to identify various abnormalities. From more than 8,000 such studies and more than 12,000 patient evaluations, Dr. Amen concludes that six--not the formerly presumed two--different types of ADD exist. This book encompasses the full spectrum of Dr. Amen's work: from symptom identification to clinical evaluation, to diet and medication recommendations, to everyday strategies for living with ADD (whether the reader is a parent of an ADD child, or has been diagnosed with the disease.) No stranger to the skepticism surrounding this topic, Dr. Amen begins with a list of dead-on myths (including "ADD is overdiagnosed") and surprising facts ("Many people with ADD are never hyperactive"). From this intriguing beginning flows a highly readable chapter on the signs and manifestations of ADD in all ages. Dr. Amen's full description of SPECT imaging includes multiple brain scan photos that nicely support his theories. But the most satisfying element of this well-researched presentation occurs in the final half of the book; here, Amen thoroughly explores the biological (diet, exercise, medication), psychological (from personal coaching to psychotherapy), and social support (parenting and school strategies) needed to heal each type of ADD. This book will prove a valuable tool for parents, adult sufferers, and medical professionals seeking practical support for managing this increasingly recognized condition. --Liane Thomas

I don't trust this guy:
I have no doubt that Dr. Amen has a lot of experience with SPECT scans, and ADD. I worry that his conclusions haven't been reproduced or confirmed indepedently outside his laboratory, which makes me highly skeptical of his results, and generalizations. Therefore, as the SPECT identifications are the selling point of his book, I can't recommend it. The title, should also give anyone who has studied ADD pause, as ADD isn't really something that can be "healed", although it can be substantially mitigated. It strikes me as very a "huckster" or "snake oil salesmen" kind of title. In a world with so many charlatans and unethical companies trying to fool people or exaggerate claims to make a buck, it is disturbing to see a medical doctor disregard the reproducibility demanded by the scientific method. The general advice given in the book is good, but by no means unique or exceptional, by comparison. I would recommend Driven to Distraction to those who are looking for more scientifically sound information and advice regarding ADD, and it's treatment.

hargray:
I was the terror of the neighborhood, failed grade 1, dropped out of high school after grade 10, then after the army, 3 teachers talked me into returning to school. A VERY difficult journey began - hard to concentrate, memory problems, hyperactivity, and etc. It took a LOT of help, but ultimately I received a BA, MEd, and Ph.D. I became a chief of psychology in a psychiatric hospital, teacher, therapist -- and then at 46 years of age, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Suddenly, "everything" made sense, as the disorder was 'classic' to how I had behaved, thought, struggled with relationships, and etc. MEDICATIONS comletely turned MY life around (as my wife, friends, and work associates would affirm) - they don't work for everyone, but for me, it was like a miracle from heaven. Of course, the anti-medication zealots will not wish to believe this, but my experience is like that of so many others I have seen IN MY PRACTICE AS A PSYCHOLOGIST. When medications work, they really do a great job. When they don't, the experience can be very disappointing, and anger can run high. I also conducted over 500, 1-day seminars in almost every state in the USA, and provinces in Canada (this took place over a 14 year period). Having said all of this - the absolute best book in the field, based on my having read scores of books, articles, and my experiences factored in, is Dr. Amen's book!!! I have, in fact, cleared out about 80% of all the AD/HD literature I had, and Dr. Amen's book remains my favorite. It is the ONLY book I now recommend to individuals who ask for my opinion, as a psychologist WITH ADHD.

Questionable research and equivocation:
This book was a big disappointment. Using brain scanning imagery AMEN has deduced that there are six types of ADD. I find his taxonomy questionable, and while I don't object to anecdotal evidence to support medical views, Amen turns very slight differences in behavior into major types of diagnoses. The descriptions of the various types interweave to the point that the differences among them are very slight. Why six? Why not 60? Amen's selective perception seems to be pseudo-science and reductionist to me. The traits for the six types overlap, and one could easily fall into three or four of them. His suggestions regarding diet are laughable: he recommends a healthy well balanced diet as a component to "healing" ADD. Well, now isn't that the most innovative idea about improving one's health: a good diet?!?!?! The term in the title seems to be more marketing ploy than accurate empirical statement. I do recommend the book SCATTERED by Gabor Mate, a physician with ADD. That book is far more informed, holistic, thoughtful, incisive. It is also very well written. The style and methodology of Amen's book makes the DSM-IV seem as though it were written by God him/herself.

Focus on ADD for parents:
Dr.Amen's research has brought us to a new understanding and hope for children with ADD. Every parent who reads this book realizes what their options and alternatives are to healing and overcomming this condition. After experiencing much ignorance on this subject I am very grateful to those medical pioneers having the courage to practice good medicine.

A gold mine of information:
This book is the most comprehensive source of information on ADD available. The basis of the treatment techniques, SPECT scans, is also revolutionary in its approach and nearly self-evident. This approach of examining both patients' histories and SPECT scans at the same time is obviously an effective means of targeting not only the specific type of ADD (Dr. Amen has categorized 6 types) but also recognizing other disorders that may cause confusion about the ultimate diagnosis. His work is the tip of the iceberg in diagnosing and finding successful treatments for ADD, anxiety, depression, violent behaivors, Alzeheimer's, obsessive disorders, manic disorders, head-injury related disorders, substance abuse disorders, dementia, and many other brain-related disorders. It is loaded with information. Many professionals would do well to not only ready but study the information. This book can be considered a companion to "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life."